A new poll reveals that 45% of Americans favor controversial “Stand Your Ground” laws, while 32% percent oppose them, Newsmax.com reported.
Another 22% are undecided, according to Rasmussen Reports, which conducted the poll of 1,000 adults nationwide July 17-18.
“[The Florida] self-defense law, although ultimately not a part of the George Zimmerman trial, has now become a target for those unhappy with the verdict in that case,” Rasmussen says.
“Americans tend to favor such a law in their state, although half are not sure if their state already has one or not. But they are evenly divided over whether such a law is good or bad for public safety.”
The law gives individuals the right to use reasonable force to defend themselves without having to retreat.
Florida’s “stand your ground” law was enacted during former Gov. Jeb Bush’s administration.
Zimmerman, who was acquitted on July 13 in the 2012 shooting death of Trayvon Martin, waived his right to a “Stand Your Ground” pretrial immunity hearing early in the proceedings. His defense lawyers instead decided to argue his case as an issue of simple self-defense.
