Posted: 3:20 PM Apr 12, 2012
Reporter: Casey Wheeless

Stand Your Ground Law, Similar To Kentucky's Castle Doctrine

George Zimmerman, accused of murdering Trayvon Martin in Florida went before a judge Thursday.

But, his main defense the Stand Your Ground Law, allows citizens to use self defense if they feel their lives are in danger.

This law in Florida is raising questions back here in the Bluegrass.

Kentucky has a similar law, it's called the Castle Doctrine.

It protects a citizen when using self defense in the Bluegrass, but compared to Florida's law it only protects when a person is using self defense in their home, hotel room or wherever their place of dwelling may be.

Phil Kimbel, a local attorney says, the circumstances for using deadly force are very specific.

"The statue is very clear under what circumstances deadly physical force can be used and that is in defense of death, serious physical injury, kidnapping, or rape."

A local gun salesman, Sherwood Davis, says he owns guns to protect himself.

"People get bolder and more desperate ... and more home invasions. you hear about them more and more all the time."

He doesn't see a difference between being attacked at home or in public.

"If there is a valid threat, I don't care where you're at. In my opinion, I think a person not only has a right, but an obligation to defend themselves."

But, he also believes there is a line that shouldn't be crossed.

"If I'm driving up to my house, and I see him walking out the back with my stereo. I don't see myself shooting him to retain my stereo."

Kimbel also teaches conceal-to-carry classes, but he believes people should be trained before they own a gun.

"The use of a weapon should be used like a scalpel, not a chain saw, you want know what you're doing with it and you want to know under what circumstances you can use it."

The law also relies on citizens to use common sense, and only use deadly force as self defense, if your life is on the line.

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