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SHOOTFIRSTLAW.ORG: Shoot First, Ask Questions Never!
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by debwire | October 1, 2005 at 06:44 pm
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On October 1, 2005, Florida becomes a more dangerous place. That's when the Shoot First Law goes into effect, giving the people of Florida the right to use deadly force as a first resort when they feel threatened, even in a public place. But the Shoot First doctrine isn't just staying in Florida -- it's about to become a national disgrace.
In a country where thousands die needlessly every year in gun accidents and violent confrontations, this law is an enormous step backwards in civic responsibility and public safety. What's more, it envisions a society in which fear and distrust are the rule, and reason and responsibility are an endangered species.
If you live in Florida, or plan on visiting Florida, get the facts on the Shoot First Law. Know when you're safe, and how to avoid misunderstandings. Learn about when the people of Florida can shoot to kill... and when they think they can.
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robportat 00:39 on October 2nd, 2005
Does the law allow you to shoot people you disagree with? Instead of engaging in hyperbole, lets take a look at the text of the law itself. Go here and read the whole thing.
Note that the law only justifies the use of deadly force in instances where “he or she reasonably believes that such force is necessary to prevent the imminent commission of a forcible felony.” Which, of course, is how this Florida statute has always read. The only change is that now Florida residents do not have to try and run away before they can turn and fight against the scumbags trying to do them harm. Which only makes sense. After all, why should I have to first try and flee an attacker who is trying to rob or murder me before I can defend myself?
I cannot, however, attack somebody I’m angry with or shoot somebody who is making me nervous. Clearly those situations do not meet the requirements for justified deadly force in the law.
These gun control groups (and the media outlets who perpetuate their myths) know this, but they’re ignoring it. Why? Because usurping your 2nd amendment right is more important to them than the truth. These people don’t want a citizenry that is capable of defending themselves, they want a citizenry that is dependent upon the government to defend them. Just like they want a citizenry that is dependent upon the government to keep them slim and healthy and keep them out of the path of hurricanes. They’re socialists, whether they want to call themselves that or not.
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debwireat 01:39 on October 2nd, 2005
For those of us who aren't gun-toting enthusiasts only concerned with some archaic 2nd amendment adrenaline-rushed testosterone-laden right and aren't ready to shoot at will:
An important notice to Florida visitors
Brady Backgrounder: The "Shoot First" Bill: Licensing and Immunizing Paranoid Violence
Excerpts from press coverage of Florida's "Shoot First" law
Let's not forget that there will be plenty of Florida citizens/residents who don't bother to read and understand the details of the law and only assume they now have carte blanche to shoot under any circumstance, justified or not. Defense lawyers are going to have a field day with this law...
Excerpt from the St. Pete Times article linked below:
[begin excerpt] Hamm said no other state has such a broad definition of the use of
deadly force. He says that will encourage people to take the law into
their own hands as never before.
"Deadly force in public is inherently dangerous for everyone involved, including innocent bystanders," Hamm said.[end excerpt]
For example, considering the lunatic drivers down here, anyone behind the wheel of a car may feel justified in shooting another driver while driving because they don't like their lane change and use the excuse that they perceived it as a deadly threat. Gives a whole new meaning to the expression "road rage." C'mon, it has the potential to happen -- and under this law, they may get off as a result.
Another excerpt from the St. Pete Times article linked below:
That's just one scenario. Remember, we can shoot anywhere in public places now, not just within our own homes (and without regard for the innocent standing nearby).
This law may require the rest of us who don't wish to have a gun within 100 yards of us to go out and get one just to defend ourselves against the trigger-happy. When will the cycle of madness stop? Who is protecting the rights of the average citizen to not fall victim of some trigger-happy maniac who now thinks he can get away with shooting anyone for any reason? Florida isn't. Welcome to the "Shoot First State," not the "Sunshine State."
More:
The shoot first state? Ads warn about law
The law gives broad legal protections to a person who is attacked not
only at home, but "any other place where he or she has a right to be,"
and removes a common-law duty to retreat in the face of attack. A
person being attacked will have "the right to stand his or her ground
and meet force with force," not only at home but in public places.
The law also gives the shooter immunity from criminal and civil charges unless the victim is a police officer.
Related:
"Don't Trigger Campaign" Music Samples
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brad burks (not verified)at 13:47 on June 11th, 2009
are you retarded? if they need to protect themselves than they should be able to use deadly force