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It seems Florida is making steps to change their controversial Stand Your Ground law which has been making headlines and causing outrage lately.

The law gained national attention during the George Zimmerman case after he killed Trayvon Martin, though it wasn’t official used in the trial. It’s the same law that failed Florida mom, Marissa Alexander–who received 20 years for firing a warning shot  at her abusive husband, that struck no one.

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Reports show a Senate panel took the first step toward amending the Stand Your Ground self-defense law earlier this week by  approving a new bill. The changes will include providing proper training for neighborhood watch programs, ensuring a proper investigation is conducted after Stand Your Ground is claimed, allowing lawsuits against people acting in self-defense if they negligently injure or kill an innocent bystander and limiting the use of the law when aggressors claim it.

This all sounds great, but these amendments don’t seem to be enough. Trayvon Martin’s mother, Sybrina Fulton has said, “The work here is not done, and we fear an uphill battle going forward to achieve real change in our son’s name.”

Meanwhile, the Martin family attorney, Benjamin Crump thinks that it’s, at least, a move in the right direction. “I see this as an important first step in making sure that Florida’s Stand Your Ground Law properly protects victims and applaud the committee for taking this first step,” he said. “In light of current events in Washington D.C., It is refreshing to see legislators compromising and working together so that Florida’s citizens are protected.”

What do you think about these changes? Let’s chat @Rhapsodani

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Abused Wife Marissa Alexander Faces 20 Year Sentence, “Stand Your Ground” Law Fails Her

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