Florida: Bad PR for "No Retreat" Statute

**ehidle** · May 1st, 2009, 01:45 PM

http://www.cnn.com/2009/CRIME/04/30/...ef=mpstoryview

MIAMI, Florida (CNN) -- Authorities do not plan to file charges against a Florida orange grove owner who fatally shot a 21-year-old woman, saying he is protected under the state's controversial "no retreat" law.

(emphasis added)

I would like to know why such a law is so controversial. (yes, I am being facetious)

**LittleRedToyota** · May 1st, 2009, 02:00 PM

at least they didn't call it a "shoot first" law as the antis often do...

**Himni** · May 1st, 2009, 02:06 PM

That's cnn for you. Always twisting the truth until you see everything the way they want you to. I hate the media.

**Karma8541** · May 1st, 2009, 02:11 PM

CCN=COMMUNIST CABLE NETWORK...LOL

**Karma8541** · May 1st, 2009, 02:32 PM

opps CNN=Communist News Network...Brain faster then the fingers on last post...

**son of the revolution** · May 1st, 2009, 04:35 PM

Originally Posted by LittleRedToyota

at least they didn't call it a "shoot first" law as the antis often do...

Not so fast LRT look a little farther down , which Ill freely admit is alot better then the normal placement in 18 point bolded red print as the headline but................

The Brady Campaign to prevent Gun Violence says Florida is one of 16 states that have enacted "no retreat" laws, which some call "shoot-first" laws. The laws extend the right to use deadly force beyond a person's home and into public places.

"The shoot-first law is not needed," said Brian Malte of the Brady Campaign. "This person, regardless of the situation, may have done the right thing, but he cannot be prosecuted for doing something wrong if he hit an innocent bystander," he said.

The first part Im actually stunned someone from the Brady Bunch admitted a civilian may have "done the right thing " by shooting , thats a big step for them . Unfortunately , they ruined their baby step one sentence later when they lied about the law sheilding for hitting an innocent bystander . I'd have to look it up again to be certain , but they passed Stand Your Ground , when I lived and instructed in Florida . I seem to remember it didnt protect an unlawful act .

**LittleRedToyota** · May 1st, 2009, 04:39 PM

Originally Posted by son of the revolution

Not so fast LRT look a little farther down , which Ill freely admit is alot better then the normal placement in 18 point bolded red print as the headline but................

yeah, i saw that...but that was malte calling it that, but at least cnn themselves did not.

baby steps...i guess.

**RCN** · May 1st, 2009, 07:18 PM

The guy in that story is one quality human being.

1.)

Phillips was arrested late Tuesday in Polk County, near Lakeland, after a day on the run. Police said he didn't believe McCormick was dead at first, telling officers, "Of all the times you've questioned me, this is a nasty trick you're playing on me this time." He agreed to cooperate if detectives could prove she was dead.

How many times has he been arrested and questioned? He only agreed to cooperate if she was dead? Why? Was it because he thought that it would give him leverage and might bring a lawsuit against the intended victim?

2.)

Phillips told police he assumed McCormick had also gotten out of the vehicle and run away, according to the affidavit. He said he was sorry for what happened "and said he knew he was partially responsible for her death," the affidavit said.

Really? You never looked back, never checked, didn't hide nearby and then try to go check on her? Oh and he was only partially responsible. She is also responsible for choosing to engage in illegal activity with this fine fellow.

**Brick** · May 1st, 2009, 07:45 PM

Based on my reading of the story I see no reason for the homeowner/vehicle owner to be accused of anything, nor any reason for controversy to be attached to him or the law. He was responding to a felony theft on his own property (afaic his home), he was assaulted by felons who used a vehicle as a weapon, threatened by deadly force he responded with deadly force.

If anything it should be bad PR for car thieves, and skel boy friends.

**rodder** · May 2nd, 2009, 01:00 PM

That was awful nice of him to jump out of the SUV and run, leaving his girlfriend sitting in the front seat with gun shot wounds. What a caring relationship that must have been... and you know the parents and/or friends are gonna be coming out of the wordwork saying how he was such a nice boy.