Democratic legislators into two states - Connecticut and Oklahoma - are seeking a review in their respective states of the controversial "Stand Your Ground" laws that were the flashpoint in the killing of Florida teenager Trayvon Martin.
Martin was shot by George Zimmerman, a neighborhood watch volunteer. Zimmerman was recently acquitted of second-degree murder and manslaughter charges in connection with Martin's death on February 26, 2012. Zimmerman's attorneys argued that he shot Martin in self-defense.
In Connecticut, which does not have a "Stand Your Ground" law, House Speaker Brendan Sharkey wants to examine the state's existing self-defense laws to make sure that the situation that led to the Martin shooting cannot happen there.
"Stand Your Ground" laws generally eliminate a person's duty to retreat in the face of a serious physical threat.
Under existing Connecticut law, someone who makes a claim of self-defense assumes a burden of proof and must offer evidence of self-defense. Sharkey plans to consult with law enforcement officials and community groups to identify whether there are any issues with current state laws.
In Oklahoma, which has a law that expands a person's right to defend themselves with deadly force when threatened or attacked, Representative Mike Shelton plans to launch a legislative study to review the state's "Stand Your Ground" and other legislation that has expanded gun rights in the state. Shelton said he will include in the review gun advocates as well as those who oppose the expansion of gun rights.
The verdict in the Zimmerman case has been condemned by the Brady Center to Prevent Gun Violence in Washington, D.C. The group has worked against the adoption of "Stand Your Ground" laws in Oklahoma and elsewhere. The organization called "Stand Your Ground" laws a "very bad solution to a non-existent problem."
More than 30 other states have laws similar to Oklahoma's.