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Jennifer MattsonApril 19, 2012 22:02
Florida takes another look at "stand your ground" law
Gov. Rick Scott announced task force will revisit state's self defense legislation in wake of the killing of unarmed teenager Trayvon Martin.
Gov. Rick Scott announced task force will revisit state's self defense legislation in wake of the killing of unarmed teenager Trayvon Martin.
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Shirley Jackson (R), a teacher in Miami Dade school system, joins hundreds of other people in Miami's Liberty City neighborhood during a rally on April 4, 2012 in Miami, Florida. The rally was commemorating the death of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Trayvon Martin. Martin was killed by George Michael Zimmerman who was on neighborhood watch patrol in the gated community of The Retreat at Twin Lakes, Florida. (Angel Valentin/AFP/Getty Images)
In the wake of the shooting death of unarmed teenager Trayvon Martin, Florida is reviewing its controversial "stand your ground law," Reuters reported.
Gov. Rick Scott has announced the creation of a task force, which will will hold public meetings throughout the state to hear from local citizens. The first meeting takes place May 1 in Tallahassee, according to CNN.
The Feb. 26 killing by neighborhood watch volunteer George Zimmerman in Sanford has sparked a public outcry across the nation. Zimmerman claimed he shot the 17-year-old in self-defense, which is permissible under that state's laws.
"We're not walking into this with any preconceived notions," Scott told a news conference. If there are "logical changes to be made," the task force "will provide those," CNN reported.
The group will review Florida Statute Chapter 776 and pass on its recommendations to the governor and the state's Legislature.
More from GlobalPost: Trayvon’s parents to attend Zimmerman bond hearing, refuse meeting with accused
Lt. Gov. Lt. Gov. Jennifer Carroll, a black former state representative who voted in favor of the 2005 self-defense law, will chair the panel.
Carroll confirmed to The Palm Beach Post, that Florida's "justifiable use of force" statute, which includes the controversial "stand your ground" law, will be part of the discussion.
http://www.globalpost.com/dispatch/news/regions/americas/united-states/120419/florida-takes-another-look-at-stand-your-ground-
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