Quote:
Originally Posted by Figmo Bohica
You need to get educated on the laws in Florida. That is not what I said. The "Stand Your Ground" law has specific things that have to happen before you can claim self defense.
With what is happening right now, it will take a court and jury to decide if "Stand Your Ground" applies. He was told not to follow the individual and if that is true and he stopped and Martin attacked him then it might apply, otherwise maybe not. But no one knows for sure what happened so until that is all that is sort out, it is best not to second guess what the out come will be.
I still say and teach all my students that the best defense is your cell phone and to be aware of your surrounds so that you don't get into a situation, if at all possible, where you will be required to "Stand HYour Ground," and be forced to use deadly force.
Home invasions are different. If someone is breaking into your home and they know that you are home, they are not bringing you Easter eggs and a warm greeting. Defend your home, but when in public, be aware and avoid trouble, even if you have to cross the street. Using deadly force on someone is a life changing event. One that you will not like.
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I have to defer in your view of Zimmerman and Martin.
If the 911 Dispatcher told Zimmerman "we don't need you to do that", which is reported, and Zimmerman followed Martin anyway, it's not a violation of law. Even if the dispatcher "ordered" Zimmerman to desist from following Martin, it's not against the law if Zimmerman continued. He was under no legal obligation to heed the warning of the 911 dispatcher.
It might have been stupid, but you've already addressed people with guns who are stupid.
Now, if Martin attacked Zimmerman as is reported, that is assault. If Martin was slamming Zimmerman's head into the sidewalk, the sidewalk is considered a weapon, in my opinion.
Nowhere was it ever said that Zimmerman brandished his weapon. I don't believe Martin would have attacked Zimmerman in the manner he did if he knew Zimmerman was armed.
Of course I have no way to really know that, but it's a reasonable assumption.