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Stand Your Ground Panel Wraps Up its Work

The task force looking into the state's controversial Stand Your Ground Law has filed its final report. The group isn't calling for any major changes.

The panel was created after the nationwide uproar over the shooting death of unarmed Miami Gardens teen Trayvon Martin in February. Community Watch Volunteer George Zimmerman fatally shot Martin and is facing second-degree murder charges. But he's claiming self defense under the Stand Your Ground law.
After traveling the state to hear from the public about the law for six months, the 19-member talk force has decided it's pretty much fine as it is.

Critics say that's not surprising since the group was primarily composed of Republicans who support Stand Your Ground, including two state lawmakers who helped draft the law.

The group's final report calls for the Legislature to look more closely at the language determining who could claim self-defense under the law. It also recommends changing Stand Your Ground to discourage neighborhood watch volunteers from becoming vigilantes.

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