Quote:
Originally Posted by _Richard_
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Castle_doctrine
i thought it was based on castle_doctrine.. meaning the person has to actually own or occupy a residence for stand your ground to apply
walking down a street is not 'stand your ground'
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Different laws for different states. Some states don't even allow for stand your ground.
Here In California, for that law to apply the aggressor/violator has to be physically inside your property. So if a person breaks into my house and is still inside when I shoot and injure/kill him I am well within my rights under the law. If he is on my porch or lawn, I can be charged with murder among other law violations.
However, we are talking about Florida here and only the Florida laws matters for this case. Read up on the Florida "stand your ground" law and some of the cases it has been used to get the person charged acquitted. Your jaw will probably hit the floor with what it allows in the name of "self defense". Specifically the case where an argument occurred on a basketball court, the defendant went home, got a gun, came back and killed a man. The defendant was acquitted under this law.
In my personal opinion, Zimmerman is guilty and should do time. But my opinion and emotions don't matter, only the actual law does. This will be an extremely hard job for those jurors, just as in the Casey Anthony case. I for one am glad to not be on it.
I do agree with you that walking down the street/following someone is not reasonable stand your ground or self defense