A controversial issue facing the United States is the creation and use of Stand Your Ground laws. Stand Your Ground laws allow those who fear they are in imminent danger to use deadly force in self-defense to protect themselves, their property, and others without having to first retreat. 33 states in the U.S. have adopted Stand Your Ground laws following its creation in Florida in 2005, and with it, a major debate has arisen. People who are in favor of the laws believe that they allow citizens to fully protect their property and themselves from possible danger without having to fear prosecution. Those who are not in favor believe that the laws have led to an increase in unnecessary violence and wrongful deaths, along with causing other issues in the country. The Stand Your Ground laws have caused more harm than good. The laws have led to an increase in homicides in Stand Your Ground states, an increase in racial issues throughout the United States, and the broadness of the laws allow people to use them even in circumstances where there is not a threat of imminent danger. Many people in the United States believe that the Stand Your Ground laws are beneficially in the …show more content…
This statistic shows that because of the Stand Your Ground laws, people may have an altered view on what may become a dangerous situation and act quickly to protect themselves rather than waiting to see if the situation is truly dangerous. Another study proving that the Stand Your Ground laws led to an increase in homicides stated that Stand Your Ground states had an 8% increase in justified homicides when compared to non-Stand Your Ground states, amounting to an additional 600 killings. Stand Your Ground laws have led to an increase in homicides, which in turn, contribute to unnecessary violence and wrongful