Gov. Scott's Task Force On Self Defense Laws Meets For First Time
TALLAHASSEE (CBSMiami/AP) – A task force formed by Governor Rick Scott in the wake of the Trayvon Martin shooting met for the first time Tuesday in Tallahassee.
The Task Force on Citizen Safety and Protection has been charged with examining the state's self defense laws particularly state statute Chapter 776 (Stand Your Ground law) which allows for the use of deadly force.
Lt. Gov. Jennifer Carroll is leading the task force and Rev. R. B. Holmes Jr. is her vice chair. Task force members include Miami-Dade State Attorney Katherine Fernandez Rundle, Miami attorney Mark Seiden and Edna Canino of Miami. Canino is the president of the Florida Embassy of League of United Latin American Citizens, Council 7220.
Scott said he has no "preconceived notions" on what the task force will recommend but he wants it to look at the Florida law that allows citizens to defend themselves with deadly force.
Martin, 17, died after he was shot while walking through a gated community in Sanford by Zimmerman of February 26th. Zimmerman has said that he shot the teen in self-defense, according to Sanford police.
Initially they did not charge him citing the state's 'Stand Your Ground'. This sparked out and protests across the country. Special prosecutor Angela Corey had Zimmerman arrested and charged with second degree murder after a review of the police investigation.
Some have questioned the make-up of the task force and whether it will recommend substantive changes.
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