Florida Self Defense

David Kopel, over at Volokh, has a good explanation of the new Florida self defense law. I know that this matter has been discussed among defense lawyers, but I have to say, I don't know why defense lawyers don't see this for what it is: a great defense to more homicide cases. David Feige, I think, nails it on the head. For the record, I would probably be considered among those far-right, anti-government types (although I would dispute such a characterization) mainly because libertarians really don't fit too well into the general political scheme.

Anyway, Kopel provides a good explanation and primer of the law. The scuttlebutt is that the Alaska legislature is looking at adopting this law. This will be interesting because the department of law (the DAs) a couple of years ago wanted a crime bill that would have made self defense an affirmative defense. I will wait to see their response.

UPDATE: Gideon's comment point to another analysis of the law as well as some of his previous posts about this issue, including the portions of the law that cause him some concern.

Comments

[Gideon]

In comments to a lengthy discussion that I had on the same topic, a commenter provided this link. It does a thorough analysis of this bill and highlights, what to me are, the biggest problems with the bill.

I won't bore you with my opinions again, but if you're interested, they are here and here.

[Alaska]

Thanks for the links to your comments. I had tried to find them but was not able to. Post should be updated shortly.

[Gideon]

Oh great! I've encountered the same problem about not finding posts from a few months ago. That's why I added the google search box - but even that isn't great. Anyway, welcome back! Is it really endless hours of sunlight now?