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24 States Have 'Stand Your Ground' Laws

Trayvon Martin shooting brings them renewed attention

By Dustin Lushing,  Newser Staff

Posted Mar 25, 2012 11:38 AM CDT

(Newser) – The shooting of 17-year-old Trayvon Martin has brought renewed scrutiny to Florida's "stand your ground" law on self-defense. In many states, a person who feels threatened in a public place is legally obligated to attempt to flee before deadly force can be used. Not so in Florida or, as ProPublica reports, in 23 other states. The particulars vary from state to state, as do the names, but all generally do away with the "duty to retreat." Click here for a state-by-state rundown. (In the Trayvon case, shooter George Zimmerman's lawyer doesn't think "stand your ground" is applicable.)

Wearing a hoodie and holding a rose, a person attends a rally for Trayvon Martin yesterday.
Wearing a hoodie and holding a rose, a person attends a rally for Trayvon Martin yesterday.   (AP Photo/Roberto Gonzalez)
George Zimmerman, the shooter of Trayvon Martin.
George Zimmerman, the shooter of Trayvon Martin.   (AP Photo/Orange County Jail via Miami Herald)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 47 comments
bobinski
Mar 26, 2012 2:54 PM CDT
Ironic Illinois is on the list since they are the only state to deny CCW rights.
YetAnotherCollegeKid
Mar 26, 2012 1:08 AM CDT
I'm genuinely surprised that Colorado isn't on the list.
thfc4life
Mar 25, 2012 7:51 PM CDT
Anybody else notice a trend with these 24 states?  The deep South and the Wild, Wild West.  Where grown men continue to harbor prepubescent action hero fantasies
 

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