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In reply to the discussion: George Zimmerman trial: Defense will likely rest case Wednesday [View all]ColesCountyDem
(6,944 posts)52. In Illinois, you have a 'duty to retreat'.
The law on the use of deadly force by a civilian is remarkably clear here in Illinois: Before any civilian can use 'deadly force' to defend him- or herself, he/she has a 'duty to retreat', as long as one can do so with 'a reasonable expectation of safety'. Further, one also has a legal duty to obey any 'lawful command' from a law-enforcement officer (this includes emergency-services dispatchers, in criminal or possibly criminal circumstances).
Were Zimmerman being tried in Illinois, there is little doubt that he would be convicted. He ignored the dispatcher's 'lawful command' and he CLEARLY had a 'duty to retreat' at the point he chose to pursue Mr. Martin.
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The jury may acquit, sure, but if they do it won't be based on the evidence.
reusrename
Jul 2013
#36
Someone or something that provides an alternate theory or witness to or about events.
jtuck004
Jul 2013
#5
the law and order types around here will tell you that following someone by car..
frylock
Jul 2013
#19
According to the newspaper report I read, he picked her up and threw her across the room.
displacedtexan
Jul 2013
#47