Stand-Your-Ground Laws

Stand-Your-Ground Laws

Lesson Introduction

Over the past few years, there have been several high profile tragedies involving people protecting themselves and their property with deadly force. In many states, citizens have the right to protect their property with deadly force if needed. These laws, knows as "Stand-Your-Ground" laws, have become controversial in recent years because of the death of people like Trayvon Martin. This week, we will explore these laws, including why they exist, as we attempt to determine our own opinion.

Get Started Here - Pre-Activity Poll

Start Here - Learning Goals

By the end of this week, you should be able to:

Explain the difference between a state with "Stand-Your-Ground" laws and a state with "Self-Defense" laws
Share your opinion on "Stand-Your-Ground" laws

Learning Activities

Share your opinion on the issue in the pre-reading poll
Watch the video introduction in Part 1
Read about the laws in Part 2
Write about your findings in Part 3

Estimated time to complete: 1-2 hours

Part 1 - "Video Introduction to Stand-Your-Ground"

Although this video looks at a few different examples of "when it's okay to kill someone," it does a good job introducing the idea behind "Stand-Your-Ground" laws. As you watch, try to figure out the difference between a state the has those laws and a state that doesn't. In other words, what's the difference between "self-defense" and "stand-your-ground"?

Part 2 - Read about "Stand-Your-Ground"

Are you still not exactly sure about the difference between normal "self-defense" and a state governed by "Stand-Your-Ground" laws? If so, check out this short article that introduces the laws; and remember, focus on what makes a state that uses "Stand-Your-Ground" laws (like Florida) different from a state that doesn't (like Minnesota).