[2ndDivisionVet]

Under Florida's "Stand Your Ground" statute, as I understand it, not only is he immune from criminal prosecution, he cannot be cited in a civil suit for his actions. Which, of course, begs the question of why he is charged with any crime, much less second degree murder.

[DemforBush]

I didn’t know about the civil suit protection aspect of the law. I’ve been going on the assumption that a civil suit would have immediately followed any acquittal or dismissal of charges. Interesting.

[nickcarraway]

Under Florida's "Stand Your Ground" statute, as I understand it, not only is he immune from criminal prosecution, he cannot be cited in a civil suit for his actions.

Wait, what does this law actually say? Are you saying I could shoot you in your sleep, and if I claimed, "stand your ground," I am immune from prosecution? If so, it is a really bad law. I doubt it really is what you say. Someone may act in self defense, but that should be weighed as evidence. Merely because you can name a law, shouldn't mean that they can't be prosecuted.

[Paleo Conservative]

Under Florida's "Stand Your Ground" statute, as I understand it, not only is he immune from criminal prosecution, he cannot be cited in a civil suit for his actions. Which, of course, begs the question of why he is charged with any crime, much less second degree murder.

I saw an article about this last on Free Republic. The parents and their advisors want him charged, so they sue him.

[Little Ray]

I don’t think “Stand your ground” applies. According to Zimmerman, Martin was on top bounding his head on the sidewalk. That’s straight “Self Defense” anywhere in the country.

[southphilly]

If he was not charged it is my recollection, in Florida the family can not file a civil case...that is why he was charged...IMHO

[cynwoody]

Under Florida's "Stand Your Ground" statute, as I understand it, not only is he immune from criminal prosecution, he cannot be cited in a civil suit for his actions. Which, of course, begs the question of why he is charged with any crime, much less second degree murder.

Florida's statute, as interpreted by the Supreme Court, provides for a pretrial hearing to go over the evidence. If the judge decides, by the preponderance of the evidence, that the defendant acted in self-defense, the case is over. No trial. No voir dire. No stinkin' jury. Also, the statute provides that the defendant is immune from civil action.

[Vermont Lt]

The argument will be that the syg law will be invalidated because he continued to pursue Trayvon. If Zimmerman had not pursued him, there would not have been a confrontation, and everyone would be sipping Dr Pepper and eating skittles.

[longtermmemmory]

it is immunity from arrest (to prevent agenda prosecutors who have personal issues with citizen self defense. Like the present prosecutor)

the law also provides specific immunity from civil suit. This was done as tort reform. It cut the legs out from under the slap suits from brady campaigners and the relatives of criminals victimizing a person for the second time.

It is a good law. It is hated by the criminal class and the tril lawyers.