The Tennessee Black Caucus ofState Legislators is calling for a review of thestate’s “Stand Your Ground” statutes. The Caucus says the review of the self-defense law is necessary to prevent a case like last year's shooting of Trayvon Martin in Florida.
Tennessee’s law says people have quote “no duty to retreat” unquote before using force if they believe they face death or serious injury. Twenty other states have similar laws, including Florida, where neighborhood watch volunteer George Zimmerman was found not guilty of second-degree murder or manslaughter for the fatal shooting of Trayvon Martin.
The 17 members of the black caucus expressed disappointment in that verdict and said they'll work with fellow representatives to determine whether the law needs to be changed in order to ensure the safety of all Tennessee residents.
