Miami judge rules updated 'Stand Your Ground' Law unconstitutional

http://www.wptv.com/news/state/miami-judge-rules-updated-stand-your-ground-law-unconstitutional?utm_content=bufferad116&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter.com&utm_campaign=buffer


A law that has sparked debate across the country was front and center as a Miami judge ruled Monday that Florida’s updated “Stand Your Ground” law is unconstitutional.

Miami-Dade Circuit Judge Milton Hirsch ruled that the law, passed by the Florida Legislature and signed by Gov. Rick Scott that forces prosecutors in a pre-trial hearing to disprove a claim of self-defense by the defendant, oversteps the authority of those lawmakers.

In his decision, Hirsch says such a law must be created by the state’s Supreme Court under Florida’s constitution.

The ruling stems from two cases in Hirsch's court – including one involving Omar Rodriguez, who is charged with allegedly shooting and killing his Miami area neighbor after an argument over cleaning up dog poop.