Lawmakers will hold hearings on the ‘Stand Your Ground’ self-defense law, according to the Huffington Post. This fall will commence an open battleground for critics and proponents of the law, as the law will be scrutinized and examined. The law came into the spotlight, as it was a critical piece of the George Zimmerman trial. In this case Mr. Zimmerman was acquitted in the shooting death of African-American teenager Trayvon Martin.
The law will be scrutinized and many lawmakers around the country are calling for this law to be reexamined. Will Weatherford, opinion columnist for the Tampa Tribune stated, “across Florida representatives are receiving calls, letters, visits, and emails from constituents with diverse opinions on ‘Stand Your Ground.’ He went on to say that people are passionate about what they feel, but also that each constituent retains their right to express their individual opinion on the matter.
Protesters have staged hunger strikes and sit-ins outside of lawmakers’ offices. Phillip Agnew, a leader of one such organization called the Dream Defenders, staged a month long sit in outside the office of Governor Rick Scott, attempting to draw attention to the law in hopes it would be changed. Mr. Agnew commented, “It’s a critical step and we’re excited about having an open debate.”