FL to make it easier to shoot somebody.

[Cattledog]

http://www.motherjones.com/politics/2017/03/florida-guns-stand-your-ground-law

If the measure becomes law, the state would again be at the forefront of expanding self-defense laws. Florida would become the first state to apply a tougher standard to the law during the pretrial hearing. Under the measure, the burden of proof would be shifted to prosecutors and defendants would no longer have to present evidence, typically by taking the stand, to prove their claim of self-defense.

Instead, prosecutors would have to prove beyond a reasonable doubt — the highest legal standard — that the use of force was not justified. ...

Prosecutors have fiercely opposed the measure, saying it runs counter to the traditional workings of the criminal justice system. Typically, when defendants seek the dismissal of charges at a hearing — arguing entrapment, for example — it is up to them to present evidence and persuade the court, not the other way around.

The new standard would require prosecutors to essentially put on a nonjury mini-trial, requiring victims and witnesses to testify twice and delaying the actual trial, prosecutors said. And with defendants no longer required to offer evidence — which usually means taking the stand — there will be little, if any downside, for them to claim a Stand Your Ground defense.

[crazycatlady]

1. Another reason to never visit FL again

(Not that I want to-- I don't get along with hot weather).

How long until this claims a legislator?

[GWC58]

2. Guess this means I'll be extra

careful when in Daytona Beach come July.

[Hoyt]

3. White wing effort to provide more protection for gun fanciers and Zman when they

shoot am unarmed kid.

[Vinca]

4. Florida could base an entire tourist advertisement on being the best place to murder someone.

[louis-t]

5. And the gun "enthusiasts" are still arguing

that the murder rate hasn't gone up, every SYG shooting is justified, blah, blah. Even when presented with evidence of highly questionable "self-defense" shootings, they still obfuscate and claim I'm the "dishonest" one.