Durbin Ready To Take On “Stand Your Ground” Law

CHICAGO (AP) – U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin says he will hold a hearing on so-called “stand your ground” laws.

About 30 states have some form of the law, which gives a person the right to use deadly force to protect themselves if they feel their life is in danger. A Florida version of “stand your ground” played a role in the trial of George Zimmerman, who was acquitted in the shooting death of teenager Trayvon Martin.

Durbin says he’ll hold the hearing in Washington in September. Durbin says the hearing will explore the influence of the gun lobby in creating the laws and how “stand your ground” has changed the legal definition of self-defense.