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October 4th, 2005
"Florida Law Says ‘Meet Force With Force’"
A controversial new law took effect in Florida this past Saturday regarding gun defenses. The so-called “stand your ground” law says that if someone confronts you, then you have the right to use a gun or other violence to act in self-defense. The person confronting you must be a perceived threat, but doesn’t have to have a gun him or herself. Previous state law said that the person being confronted must try to calm the situation or flee, rather than using violence.
The new laws do not pertain to people being confronted by police officers. Florida’s stand your ground law expands previous notions of violence and homicide. Certain acts, which previously would have been illegal, are now sanctioned by the state.
A group calling itself the “Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence” has vigorously opposed the law, saying that it will increase gun violence in the state. The group handed out pamphlets at Florida airports urging visitors not to act aggressively toward Floridians and not to create problems. The group has dubbed the new law a “Shoot First” law.
