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New laws in effect today
By PAUL FLEMMING
THE NEWS-PRESS TALLAHASSEE BUREAU
Published by news-press.com on October 1, 2005
http://news-press.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20051001/NEWS01/510010550/1075
TALLAHASSEE — A new Florida law that kicks in today is getting national attention, but supporters at home say little will change.
Under the new law, deadly force can be used without fear of prosecution if victims fear for life and limb.
No longer must Floridians try to avoid or escape the danger before using deadly force.
It's called the stand-your-ground law and the Legislature approved it in April at the behest of the National Rifle Association.
Gov. Jeb Bush signed it the same month.
As it becomes the law of the state, anti-gun violence advocates are starting a campaign to inform visitors and others of what it considers a dangerous situation.
The Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence is buying newspaper ads and handing out fliers in Florida airports.
Opponents of the law say they must warn out-of-state travelers who make up a good part of Florida's lifeblood tourism industry that they could be in danger.
Among the fliers suggestions: "Do not argue unnecessarily with local people."
"The law has taken a profound new step toward a general blessing of gun violence in public places," said Peter Hamm, communications director for the Brady group. "It was our job to educate as many people as possible."
Sen. Durell Peaden, a Crestview Republican who sponsored the bill, said he doesn't expect anyone will notice a difference.
Law enforcement groups and prosecutors opposed the law as it was initially proposed because it would have made them liable for criminal charges and civil suits if they charged people who were later vindicated by the new law.
Changes were made, however, that satisfied them.
"It just basically gives the citizens more right to protect themselves," said Tony Velong, chief of the Temple Terrace Police Department and president of the Florida Police Chiefs Association.
Velong said his department and others throughout the state have educated their officers about the new law.
Peaden suggested the new law may serve as a deterrent.
The Brady Campaign's Hamm fears that it may be more than that.
"It's a horrible message that the public seems to have received about this law. We hope not, but we are certainly worried that (more shootings) will be the case."
Though Hamm said his group is not discouraging people from visiting Florida, he said it's important tourists be informed.
The group will hand out fliers starting Monday at the Miami International Airport. It's also placing warnings in Boston, London, Chicago and Detroit newspapers.
"A new law in the Sunshine State authorizes nervous or frightened residents to use deadly force," the ads state. "In Florida, avoid disputes. Use special caution in arguing with motorists on Florida roads."
The anti-gun violence group opposes the law and its use elsewhere. Hamm said the new law addresses a non-existent issue.
Peaden said avoiding just one prosecution is justification enough.
Peaden cited the case of an Escambia County man who shot and killed a man who broke into his trailer following Hurricane Ivan. After five months of investigation and consideration, the state attorney's office determined the shooting was justified and never brought charges.
Peaden said those defending themselves should be spared even the investigation.
By PAUL FLEMMING
THE NEWS-PRESS TALLAHASSEE BUREAU
Published by news-press.com on October 1, 2005
http://news-press.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20051001/NEWS01/510010550/1075
TALLAHASSEE — A new Florida law that kicks in today is getting national attention, but supporters at home say little will change.
Under the new law, deadly force can be used without fear of prosecution if victims fear for life and limb.
No longer must Floridians try to avoid or escape the danger before using deadly force.
It's called the stand-your-ground law and the Legislature approved it in April at the behest of the National Rifle Association.
Gov. Jeb Bush signed it the same month.
As it becomes the law of the state, anti-gun violence advocates are starting a campaign to inform visitors and others of what it considers a dangerous situation.
The Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence is buying newspaper ads and handing out fliers in Florida airports.
Opponents of the law say they must warn out-of-state travelers who make up a good part of Florida's lifeblood tourism industry that they could be in danger.
Among the fliers suggestions: "Do not argue unnecessarily with local people."
"The law has taken a profound new step toward a general blessing of gun violence in public places," said Peter Hamm, communications director for the Brady group. "It was our job to educate as many people as possible."
Sen. Durell Peaden, a Crestview Republican who sponsored the bill, said he doesn't expect anyone will notice a difference.
Law enforcement groups and prosecutors opposed the law as it was initially proposed because it would have made them liable for criminal charges and civil suits if they charged people who were later vindicated by the new law.
Changes were made, however, that satisfied them.
"It just basically gives the citizens more right to protect themselves," said Tony Velong, chief of the Temple Terrace Police Department and president of the Florida Police Chiefs Association.
Velong said his department and others throughout the state have educated their officers about the new law.
Peaden suggested the new law may serve as a deterrent.
The Brady Campaign's Hamm fears that it may be more than that.
"It's a horrible message that the public seems to have received about this law. We hope not, but we are certainly worried that (more shootings) will be the case."
Though Hamm said his group is not discouraging people from visiting Florida, he said it's important tourists be informed.
The group will hand out fliers starting Monday at the Miami International Airport. It's also placing warnings in Boston, London, Chicago and Detroit newspapers.
"A new law in the Sunshine State authorizes nervous or frightened residents to use deadly force," the ads state. "In Florida, avoid disputes. Use special caution in arguing with motorists on Florida roads."
The anti-gun violence group opposes the law and its use elsewhere. Hamm said the new law addresses a non-existent issue.
Peaden said avoiding just one prosecution is justification enough.
Peaden cited the case of an Escambia County man who shot and killed a man who broke into his trailer following Hurricane Ivan. After five months of investigation and consideration, the state attorney's office determined the shooting was justified and never brought charges.
Peaden said those defending themselves should be spared even the investigation.
