At a time when the overall U.S. homicide rate is declining, more civilians are killing each other and claiming self-defense–a trend that is most pronounced in states with new “stand your ground” laws.
- The U.S. has seen a notable increase in justifiable homicides, particularly in states with “stand your ground” laws, even as the overall homicide rate declines. “Stand your ground” laws allow individuals greater latitude in using force for self-defense outside the home. From 2000 to 2010, justifiable homicides almost doubled to 326 cases.
- Our analysis found around 60% of justifiable homicides involved strangers, compared to non-justifiable homicides where victims often knew their killers. Firearms were used in over 80% of justifiable homicides, and in racial breakdowns, when killer and victim were of different races, justifiable homicide victims were more often black.
- The killing of 17-year-old Trayvon Martin in Florida by a neighborhood watchman, in an incident linked to the state’s “stand your ground” law, has sparked a national debate about these laws, their implications, and the role of race in such cases.
Read the full story here.