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Texas

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onestepforward

(3,691 posts)
Fri Mar 30, 2012, 01:06 PM Mar 2012

Trayvon Martin shooting prompts Houston legislator to recommend changes to Texas law [View all]

http://www.khou.com/news/local/Florida-Shooting-Prompts-Texas-Legislator-to-Recommend-Changes-to-Texas-Law-144989745.html

HOUSTON—The controversial shooting of a teenager in Florida has a Texas lawmaker demanding changes to the Texas version of the "stand your ground" law.
State Representative Garnet Coleman feels the state’s Castle Doctrine allows potential victims too much latitude to shoot first and ask questions later. He plans to introduce legislation to amend it.
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In 2007, the Legislature eliminated the "duty to retreat before using deadly force" portion of the law.

Coleman, citing the Trayvon Martin case in Florida as an example, says the 2007 change made it too easy for Texans to respond with deadly force when the situation might not warrant it.

"All it takes is a tragedy for people to understand that something needs to be changed," Coleman said. "And I don’t think any legislator in this state wants to be perceived as allowing somebody the ability to shoot someone without good cause.
-snip-


I agree with Coleman, but I don't think there is much of a chance to change the law at this time. Regardless, I'm glad that he that he is willing to try.
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