How much force should a citizen be able to use to stop a perceived threat?
Considerations:
Should civilians be able to pull a gun on someone who they determine is doing something illegal?
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Trayvon Martin
George Zimmerman
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Details Surrounding the Case
Trayvon Martin
17-year-old from Florida
Feb. 26--Walking home from a convenience store at night, talking to his girlfriend on the phone, and wearing a hoodie
Eyewitnesses heard a scuffle, cry for help, and then a gunshot
George Zimmerman, 28, a self-appointed neighborhood watch captain, is found armed with a handgun, standing over Martin. He has a bloody nose and a wound in the back of his head.
Zimmerman tells police he killed Martin in self defense. Taking him at his word, police do not arrest him, nor administer a drug or alcohol test. They also did not run a background check.
As of today, Zimmerman still hasn’t been charged.
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Public Outrage
Martin family demands 911 tapes be released (March 9)
Police chief claims there is nothing to dispute the self defense claim (March 12)
911 call made public—250,000 signatures on a petition calling for Zimmerman’s arrest (March 16)
Martin family asks Attorney General Eric Holder to get involved (March 18)
“Million Hoodie March” in NYC—900,000 signatures on petition—fastest growing in Internet history (March 21)
Governor has appointed a special prosecutor for the case—Florida grand jury to review on April 10