A recent blog post published by a classmate of mine argues for a repeal of "Stand Your Ground" laws. It is hard to take a stance on this issue without looking into these type of laws. Many citizens are familiar with Castle Doctrine in Texas - which allow citizens to respond with force when they feel threatened. The recent Trayvon Martin case (concerning death by fatal gun shot from a neighborhood watch captain) opened the public's eyes to "Stand Your Ground" laws, though they had little to nothing to do with the actual case. Florida (the state where the Martin case occurred in 2012) passed their version of a Castle Law in 2005, after lobbying from the National Rifle Association. According to the Washington Post, "...the rate of justifiable homicides in Florida tripled..." in the first five years after this was enacted. Protesters refer to laws like this as "Kill at Will" and not "Stand Your Ground." Clever as they may be, they are incorrect. Citizen's have been able to save their own lives thanks to these laws. The media is fueled by scandals and catastrophes and focuses on these things instead of the reasons why our system is working.
Upon a first reading of my classmates blog, I was inclined to disagree with him. After further research, my opinion stands. Repealing laws of this magnitude will be a bad idea, not to mention a quite difficult one, proven by a recent failed attempt in New Hampshire. The right to bear arms is clearly established in our country's Constitution and "Stand Your Ground" laws are important.
No comments:
Post a Comment