Quote:
Originally Posted by Delgar
Not to derail the debate, but I hope everyone here appreciates that in Canada, the result would have been at least manslaughter, and could have been 2nd degree murder. Canadian law does not have the equivalent so called "stand your ground" law, nor does it have gun rights in the constitution.
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No.
This was not a "Stand Your Ground" case. "Stand Your Ground" in Florida is not a defence, it is an immunity. So if the Stand Your Ground law had been invoked, there would have been no trial.
Zimmerman got off on a straight out self-defence, the exact same we have in Canada.
You're right that you cannot carry concealed guns in Canada. However, if Zimmerman had a knife, and stabbed Martin, the result probably would have been the same in Canada. In both Canada and the US, the prosecution has to prove their case beyond a reasonable doubt. Both have defences to murder/manslaughter of self-defence using lethal force where there is a reasonable and imminent belief that your life is in danger or that you may experience severe bodily harm.
This is why I think the main issue here is gun control and the ability to carry a concealed weapon. This is where the state has failed to protect its citizens, not the application of the right to self-defence.