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Lawmakers Consider Self Defense BillSimilar to Florida’s “Stand Your Ground” lawRelated Content
ANCHORAGE - It’s been a month since Trayvon Martin, 17, was shot dead by a neighborhood watchman in Sanford, Florida. The case triggered nationwide outrage after no arrest was made, and the city’s police chief resigned as a result. George Zimmerman claimed self-defense under Florida’s "stand your ground" law, which allows citizens to use deadly force when faced by an attacker. Here in Alaska, a similar law is being considered in Juneau this legislative session. “This legislation is specifically clarifying that an individual in this state does not have to second guess the consequences of protecting their family or themselves,” said Representative Mike Hawker, (R-Anchorage). But some argue an incident like the one in Florida could happen here. James Fayette, an Anchorage prosecutor, testified against the bill last week in Juneau. “This bill dangerously expands the defense of self defense in a way that’s completely unnecessary; there's no immediate crisis to the list of people who do not have the duty to retreat infinitely,” said Fayette. Lawmakers who support the bill say it comes down to protecting our freedom. “Freedom and liberty is never without its peril. But we don't compromise the freedom and liberty of the individual to protect… to defend the criminal,” said Hawker. Others say the future of House Bill 80 is uncertain. |
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Anonymous said on Friday, Mar 23 at 1:57 PM
Yeah considering those that do not own guns should!!! This just infused the decision of those who went without, or alernatives to guns...not anymore!!! Guns galore it will be...just to protect oneself!!! Don't want a target on our pics now do we Palin???
85409783No Do-overs said on Saturday, Mar 24 at 8:12 AM
I'v conceal carried forty-three years... never forced to use it ... drew it once to protect life.. the perp moved on and attacked someone else and hospitalised them before they attacked responding officers who tazed him. My weapon is only my 'backup'... first weapon of choice is to run away.... always seems to work .. not very dignified .... I imagine the shooter of the kid in Florida wishes he had a 'do-over.'
85466474Anonymous said on Monday, Mar 26 at 2:49 PM
Using lethal force to protect your or the life of another shouldnt be questioned, its our right to do so. There are more details coming out about the incident regarding this shooting in florida.... this shouldn't change our laws here or anywhere in our nation. Its not guns that kill, its people that do it, taking away everyones right doesnt decrease crime, the criminals will get guns the same way they have been doing so and using them the same way as well.
85641934Anonymous said on Monday, Mar 26 at 2:54 PM
lets not forget the attempted robbery with the older man who had a young kid come into his home in Anchorage, hold a gun to his head and had him open his safe all the while his thug friend was outside standing watch... Thank God he was able to protect his life in his own home, otherwise he would be dead... I wonder if taking making more gun restrictions would have changed the outcome of the story? I think that the boys didnt obtain their guns legally.... if they change the laws, will that change? will less guns be in the hands of thugs like those? i dont think so.....
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