Massad Ayoob Discusses ‘Stand Your Ground’ Laws

Since the tragic shooting death of Trayvon Martin, Florida’s Stand Your Ground law has come under intense scrutiny. Florida governor Rick Scott is presently forming a task force to reexamine that state’s law. Critics argue that such laws have led to shootouts over petty disputes and have hampered police investigations with a sweeping grant of legal immunity. Supporters of the Stand Your Ground law say it does not apply to the Martin case and that such laws merely protect those who use a firearm in self‐​defense from prosecution and financially ruinous litigation. Massad Ayoob is a firearms trainer and author of “In the Gravest Extreme.” He spoke at the Cato Institute April 23, 2012.