LANSING — State Representative Harvey Santana (D-Detroit) has sent a letter to Speaker of the House Jase Bolger (R-Marshall) and Senate Majority Leader Randy Richardville (R-Monroe) asking them to convene a joint subcommittees of the House and Senate Judiciary Committees to examine Michigan’s “Stand Your Ground” Law.
“After the acquittal of George Zimmerman for the killing of Trayvon Martin, we have learned that at least one juror feels that although the facts of the case seemed to point to murder, her hands were tied by Florida’s ‘Stand Your Ground’ law,” Santana said. “As legislators, it’s our duty to ensure that the laws we pass do the most good for our citizens, and that’s why I’ve asked for this review.”
In addition to the juror’s troubling admission, U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder has asked that all states with “Stand Your Ground” laws review those laws.
“I believe it is possible to make Michigan cities and residents safer while also ensuring that justice is properly served in the event of a crime,” Santana said. “If changes or improvements are needed to Michigan’s law, we must allow the public, law enforcement officials and law experts to have their say.”