Senate Advancing Bill To Change 'Stand Your Ground' Law
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TALLAHASSEE (CBSMiami/AP) — Despite a similar House proposal that was previously killed, a bill to significantly change Florida's "Stand Your Ground" law is advancing in the Senate.
A Senate committee voted 5-1 on Wednesday to approve a bill that would require prosecutors prove that self-defense wasn't a factor before trying an individual using a stand your ground defense.
Florida law allows the use of deadly force if someone feels their life is in jeopardy. Right now, the burden to prove self-defense during a pre-trial hearing is on the accused.
The law came under scrutiny after neighborhood watch volunteer George Zimmerman fatally shot unarmed teenager Trayvon Martin.
The bill is in response to a Supreme Court ruling that the burden of proof in stand your ground cases is on the individual charged.
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