U.S. Senator Durbin to chair hearing on “Stand Your Ground” Laws

 

September Hearing Will Focus on Civil Rights Issues Raised by Controversial Laws

 

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Assistant Majority Leader Dick Durbin (D-IL), Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on the Constitution, Civil Rights and Human Rights, announced today that he will hold a hearing on so-called “stand your ground” laws when the Senate returns to session in September. These laws, one of which played a key role in the trial surrounding the shooting death of Florida teenager Trayvon Martin, give individuals the right to use lethal force to protect themselves if they feel their life is in danger, without first attempting to retreat from the situation.

Around 30 states currently have some form of “stand your ground” laws on the books. September’s hearing will examine the gun lobby’s and the American Legislative Exchange Council’s influence in creating and promoting these laws; the way in which the laws have changed the legal definition of self-defense; the extent to which the laws have encouraged unnecessary shooting confrontations; and the civil rights implications when racial profiling and “stand your ground” laws mix, along with other issues.

More details about the hearing will be announced in the coming weeks.

Durbin’s subcommittee has previously held hearings on hate crimes and racial profiling, among other issues.