george zimmerman

September 16, 2013 - A new report documents an overall rise in homicides in states that have passed versions of the controversial self-defense law. The increase in "justifiable" homicides has been especially dramatic in some Southern states, and African Americans have borne the brunt of the increase in deadly violence.

July 18, 2013 - Had the issue of race been allowed in the state trial of George Zimmerman for the killing of Trayvon Martin, the federal government would have a hard time bringing federal charges -- and maybe no case at all.

July 15, 2013 - Civil rights and gun safety leaders are calling for the repeal of what some decry as racially biased "shoot-first" laws, which are especially popular in the South. Some are putting renewed pressure on the corporate members of the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC), the business advocacy group that promoted such laws in the states.

February 26, 2013 - It was a year ago today that an unarmed teen was shot to death in Sanford, Fla. by a neighborhood watch volunteer. The tragedy sparked questions about Florida's and other states' "stand your ground" self-defense laws, but they all remain on the books today.

June 11, 2012 - Trayvon Martin's is far from the only shooting in which the controversial law has been at issue, as shown by other incidents in places including Texas, Louisiana and Florida.

April 30, 2012 - Embroiled in controversy for its role in passing "Stand Your Ground", the American Legislative Exchange Council also worked to block federal regulation of toxic power plant waste that's contaminating groundwater supplies across the country -- and it turns out that the group has close ties to major coal ash polluters.  

March 21, 2012 - Across the South and country, the gun lobby has pushed laws like Florida's "Stand Your Ground" measure, which local police say is the reason they haven't brought charges in the shooting death of 17-year old Travyon Martin. The result: A disturbing rise in "justifiable homicides," including cases eerily similar to the Martin killing.