“Stand Your Ground laws threaten public safety, encourage armed vigilantism, and promote a culture of ‘shoot first, ask questions later.”
Since 2005, “stand your ground” laws have spread to around 30 states, transforming the legal landscape. Enacted in the context of deep racial biases, they encourage armed citizens to use deadly force against any perceived threat – real or imagined.
There’s no legal right anywhere in the United States to self-defense against systemic injustice. By contrast, there is a right, in many states, to “stand your ground.”
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John Oliver takes a look at why “stand your ground” laws were created, who they protect, and, crucially, who they don’t.
Ahmaud Arbery, 25, was on his regular run through Brunswick, Georgia, when he encountered an armed white father and son.
Initially facing 20 years in prison under Florida's "10-20-life" rule, Marissa Alexander's case focused national attention on the treatment of domestic abuse survivors by the justice system, particularly women of color, as well as Florida's mandatory minimum sentencing laws.
This is not a retributionist fantasy. This is simply following a pattern of action and reaction through to its logical endpoint.
More than two dozen states now have similar Stand Your Ground laws on the books, thanks to the American Legislative Exchange Council, or "ALEC."
The Dream Defenders have scored a number of victories since initiating their #TakeoverFL sit-in.
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