‘Stand Your Ground’ Bill Still Moving In Senate

December 1, 2015

Despite appearing to die in the House, a proposal that would change the burden of proof in “stand your ground” self-defense cases is slated to go to the Senate Rules Committee this week.

If approved by the committee during a meeting Thursday, the bill (SB 344), sponsored by Sen. Rob Bradley, R-Fleming Island, would be ready to go to the full Senate when the 2016 legislative session starts in January.

The issue stems from a Florida Supreme Court ruling that said people who use the “stand your ground” defense have the burden of showing they should be shielded from prosecution.

The legislation, backed by the National Rifle Association, would shift the burden of proof to the state in “stand your ground” cases.

A House version of the bill (HB 169), filed by Rep. Dennis Baxley, R-Ocala, was defeated November 17 in a 6-6 vote in the House Criminal Justice Subcommittee. But after that vote, Bradley said “everything is in play” until the end of the legislative session.

Comments

3 Responses to “‘Stand Your Ground’ Bill Still Moving In Senate”

  1. No Excuses on December 1st, 2015 6:53 pm

    The point is, why do I have to prove my innocence in this particular instance? It’s up to the State of Florida to prove my guilt in all other circumstances, why not this one? It sounds to me like another ploy to keep law abiding citizens from taking care of themselves.

    I can tell you, stand your ground or not, if someone tries to hurt me or my loved ones, I’m not going to just sit there and let them do it. I don’t go around hurting others and I expect the same courtesy in return. If I don’t get it, well…..

  2. nod on December 1st, 2015 3:32 pm

    There is NOT and never has been that you are innocent until proven guilty. The law says that you are PRESUMED innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. BIG DIFFERENCE.

  3. Sam I Am on December 1st, 2015 5:51 am

    What happened to innocent until proven guilty! Judges making laws from the bench…