In Florida, there have been growing calls this week for lawmakers to revisit the state’s “Stand Your Ground” law – a piece of legislation that figures prominently in the story of the story of 17-year-old Trayvon Martin’s shooting. Martin, who is black, was killed while he was walking back to his friend’s house from 7-Eleven during halftime of the NBA All-Star Game. George Zimmerman, the self-described neighborhood watch captain, claims he shot Martin in self-defense. Zimmerman has not been charged with any crime. Yesterday, Seminole County’s state attorney announced that a grand jury investigation into the shooting will begin next month. Meanwhile, state lawmakers are calling for an inquiry into the self-defense law at the center of the case. Florida state Republican Representative Dennis Baxley was one of the original sponsors of the “Stand Your Ground” legislation in the Florida House of Representatives in 2005.
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