Archive for the ‘Stand Your Ground Law’ Category

Marissa Alexander asks for second Stand Your Ground hearing

Attorneys for Marissa Alexander are asking for a Stand Your Ground hearing to argue that she fired a shot at her estranged husband in self defense.

It will be the second time Alexander, 33, seeks immunity from prosecution under the states Stand Your Ground law, which allows the use of deadly force instead of retreating if the person is afraid for his or her life. A previous claim in July, 2011 was rejected.

Timeline:A step-by-step look at the Marissa Alexander case

Alexander, 33, is out on bond while awaiting a new trial on charges of firing a gun at her estranged husband and his two children. She was previously convicted of three counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and sentenced to 20 years in prison, but that conviction was thrown out on appeal.

The new Stand Your Ground motion, filed Friday by attorney Bruce Zimet, argues that there is critical new information that wasnt heard in the original Stand Your Ground hearing. It also says the information presented at the original hearing was at best grossly incomplete.

Sept. 26, 2013:Judge orders new trial for Marissa Alexander

Nov. 28, 2013:Marissa Alexander released from jail

Jan. 10, 2014:Marissa Alexander bond hearing (video)

March 1, 2014:Marissa Alexander's sentence could triple in 'warning-shot' case

New evidence profoundly undermines the testimony of Alexanders estranged husband, Rico Gray, and his two children, Zimet said. All three testified in the original Stand Your Ground hearing.

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Marissa Alexander asks for second Stand Your Ground hearing

Mothers Team Up to Fight Stand Your Ground Law

U.S. Law Sybrina Fulton of Miami, Fla., mother of Trayvon Martin, wipes her eyes during a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing on "Stand Your Ground" laws Oct. 29, 2013 in Washington, DC. Win McNameeGetty Images

The mothers of Trayvon Martin and Jordan Davis are working together to end Floridas infamous stand your ground law.

These two moms are going to make positive change to make sure that stand your ground doesnt continue to happen, Sybrina Fulton, the mother of Trayvon Martin told CBS News.

Stand your ground laws allow people who fear for their safety to use deadly force against their agressor and override any legal obligation they have to retreat. Fulton and Lucia McBaththe mother of Davisboth lost their sons to men whose actions put the law center stage and sparked national debate, though they didnt necessarily use the law as part of their legal defense. Martin was killed by George Zimmerman in 2012 and Davis was shot and killed by Michael Dunn during a dispute over Davis music volume. Martin was acquitted, while Dunn was convicted of attempted murder but the jury hung on more serious murder charges.

Fulton and McBath are helping to lead a protest Monday at Floridas State Capitol for the repeal of stand your ground. They argue the law gives killers the excuse to shoot and kill someone and then ask questions later.

But Florida is preparing to expand the law to allow people who feel their life is in jeopardy to fire a warning shot, CBS reports. Proponents of this addition say it will protect people like Marissa Alexander, who says she fired a warning shot in 2012 that killed her abusive husband. She was sentenced to 20 years in prison. Alexanders family is joining the march in protest of the law.

[CBS News]

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Mothers Team Up to Fight Stand Your Ground Law