We are now hearing calls for a
review of ‘Stand-Your-Ground’ laws in this country. A thorough examination of these provisions
and their impact couldn’t be more welcome.
While very few people object to an individual defending him or her self
in the face of criminal threat, these laws do not adequately (if at all)
address the intent of all the parties present and involved in stand your ground
situations. Self defense against crime
ought to be legal. If criminal activity
is established in accordance with the law, and/or the circumstances involved,
the criminal should be deemed to have responsibility for the event. HOWEVER, such determination should rest on
what ALL parties to the event were doing.
Thus it should be a criminal offense
for volunteers to violate Neighborhood Watch protocol and the instructions of
police representatives who are communicating with them. Who does not understand that, “We don’t need
you to do that…” (follow a citizen), means get back in your car and go away. It does not mean continue to stalk someone,
and conduct yourself like a suspicious predator.
Unless these stand your ground
problems are addressed, anyone can get away with murder. Just make your way to a stand your ground
state, frighten some kid into attacking you, pretend to be afraid for your
life, and shoot him.
Around here, we think the overdue
examination of these laws makes sense.
And it is hard to politely express our disappointment with Neighborhood
Watch.
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