Advertisement

Durbin to Hold Hearing on 'Stand Your Ground' Laws

Durbin to Hold Hearing on 'Stand Your Ground' Laws
Advertisement
By AP
Jul. 20, 2013 | CHICAGO, IL
By AP Jul. 20, 2013 | 03:31 AM | CHICAGO, IL
U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin says he will hold a hearing on so-called "stand your ground" laws.

About 30 states have some form of the law, which gives a person the right to use deadly force to protect themselves if they feel their life is in danger.

A Florida version of "stand your ground" played a role in the trial of George Zimmerman, who was acquitted in the shooting death of teenager Trayvon Martin.

Durbin is an Illinois Democrat and member of the Senate Judiciary Committee.

In a statement Friday, he says he'll hold the hearing in Washington in September. Durbin says the hearing will explore the influence of the gun lobby in creating the laws and how "stand your ground" has changed the legal definition of self-defense.
ADVERTISEMENT
Advertisement

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT

Advertisement
ADVERTISEMENT