http://www.tampabay.com/news/politi...und-law-changes-to-benefit-defendants/2316751
Senate passes 'stand your ground' law changes to benefit defendants
Wednesday, March 15, 2017 6:12pm
TALLAHASSEE — This could be the year the Republican-led Florida Legislature succeeds in enacting a controversial change to the state's "Stand Your Ground" law that prosecutors warn could lead to a flood of self-defense claims and would force state attorneys to essentially try cases twice.
[…]
If the bill was already law, for example: In the recent high-profile case of former Tampa police captain Curtis Reeves, rather than requesting immunity from prosecution for allegedly killing Chad Oulson at a movie theater, Reeves wouldn't have had the pressure to explain himself before trial.
Rather, by Reeves asserting "Stand Your Ground," Hillsborough County state attorneys would have had to show evidence "beyond a reasonable doubt" — the same standard required at trial — of why Reeves should still be prosecuted. As happens now, a judge — not a jury — would decide whether the case advanced to trial.
[…]
Senate passes 'stand your ground' law changes to benefit defendants
Wednesday, March 15, 2017 6:12pm
TALLAHASSEE — This could be the year the Republican-led Florida Legislature succeeds in enacting a controversial change to the state's "Stand Your Ground" law that prosecutors warn could lead to a flood of self-defense claims and would force state attorneys to essentially try cases twice.
[…]
If the bill was already law, for example: In the recent high-profile case of former Tampa police captain Curtis Reeves, rather than requesting immunity from prosecution for allegedly killing Chad Oulson at a movie theater, Reeves wouldn't have had the pressure to explain himself before trial.
Rather, by Reeves asserting "Stand Your Ground," Hillsborough County state attorneys would have had to show evidence "beyond a reasonable doubt" — the same standard required at trial — of why Reeves should still be prosecuted. As happens now, a judge — not a jury — would decide whether the case advanced to trial.
[…]