Minnesota Republicans passed the Castle Doctrine law that would have made prosecution of self defense cases tougher, but Gov. Mark Dayton vetoed it.
Dayton argued the vast majority of law enforcement in state said it would make their job more dangerous.
Florida's "Stand your ground" law goes much further than the Castle Doctrine would have, it seems, from a general understanding.
The "neighborhood watch" citizen was apparently chasing Trayvon Martin in Sanford, Fla., thinking he was "up to no good" according to 911 call. Ultimately, they had a confrontation and the neighborhood watch guy shot Martin with a nine millimeter automatic.
Florida authorities didn't charge him because they determined he was in "defensive position" which is allowed under Stand your ground. You don't have to retreat.
The guy, George Zimmerman, contended the 17 year old knocked him down and smashed his head against the ground several times. Police report says he "asked for help but no one would help him." That's apparently when he shot the Martin.
Police report is here.
It's tough to take a side in these cases when Trayvon won't be around to tell his side.
I'm just thinking I'm a older guy, possibly overweight. Do I chase down a 17 year old kid in Florida asking what he's up to, and do I carry a gun while doing it?
Do they need police protection that badly down there.?
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