FILE — … March 3, 2021, at 2:55 p.m. Arkansas Governor Signs Stand Your Ground Bill Into Law. . Gun laws vary by state, including regulations on purchasing firearms and concealed or open … For this reason, it's good to read an overview of the law in plain English. There is no state law statute that authorizes this right that there is no duty to retreat. However, there is an iteration of a stand your ground law called the “castle doctrine” that affects self-defense cases. Zimmerman was on his back and had no option to retreat, so the law was completely irrelevant. At the time of Martin’s shooting, 22 states had adopted similar laws. 2020-06-30: Added information on wearing a COVID 19 mask while carrying concealed above the Summary. LITTLE ROCK, Ark – In the last General Session State Senator Bob Ballinger brought up a ‘Stand Your Ground’ bill and lead to a lively debate, especially in the Senate Judiciary Committee. ... (which enacted a stand your ground law after I started practicing). As of January 1, 2020, 34 states across the U.S. have stand-your-ground laws or have expanded the castle doctrine to apply beyond the home. JASON CONNOLLY/AFP via Getty Images. The Arkansas Prosecuting Attorneys Association changed from opposing the bill in 2019 to a position of neutrality after it was updated to exempt people who are in illegal possession of a weapon or participating in gang activity. Stand Your Ground, commonly known as “Castle Doctrine” laws that permit a person to defend themselves with deadly force and with no duty to retreat have been enacted in 27 states. NRA-Backed Stand Your Ground Legislation Introduced in Arkansas. This law was reconfirmed by the state's Attorney General in July 2013, just before Arkansas changed it's law on concealed carry of a hand gun. Senator Bob Ballinger introduced SB484 this year. Stand-ground bill introduced by state legislators Time is ripe for Arkansas to have such a law, they say by John Moritz | December 24, 2020 at 7:18 a.m. Some states have self-defense laws that are similar to stand your ground but with one key difference. 1. STATE CONSTITUTIONAL PROVISION -- Article 2, Section 5. To understand how this could affect your self-defense case in Arkansas, let’s take a closer look at the terminology and meaning of these laws. Many states have enacted so-called stand your ground laws that remove any duty to retreat before using force in self-defense. Republicans in the Arkansas Legislature introduced a "stand-your-ground" self-defense bill Wednesday, vowing to enact the measure in 2021 after past efforts failed in the face of law enforcement opposition. These laws vary from state to state in the conditions that it may be used such as the degree of retreat, places covered and if there is any non lethal force required before using deadly force. Asa Hutchinson signed a ‘Stand Your Ground’ bill into law on Wednesday afternoon despite past concerns that he raised regarding the measure. The Arkansas Sheriffs Association said it will meet today to discuss SB24 and other pending legislation. December.21.2020 at 8:57 am The headline has 35 states as duty to retreat and 15 stand your ground. [1] Although Utah passed the first stand-your-ground law in 1994, widespread legislative movement in this area did not begin until 2005, when Florida adopted a stand-your-ground law that became the basis for a model law adopted by the American Legislative … However, a recent law change bans the open carry of handguns. Arkansas Becomes the 35th Stand Your Ground State in the Union. By ANDREW DeMILLO February 24, 2021. Republicans in the Arkansas Legislature have introduced a "stand-your-ground" self-defense bill for consideration this session after past efforts failed. The bill was introduced by state Sen. Bob Ballinger, R- Berryville, and Rep. Aaron Pilkington, R-Clarksville, and co-sponsored by more than two dozen other GOP lawmakers. What has happened in the past with Arkansas stand-your-ground legislation? Under California self-defense laws, you have the right to “stand your ground” and protect yourself without retreating under certain circumstances. When looking for the answer to a legal question, a good place to start is to read the actual language of the law. ... NRA-backed Stand Your Ground Becomes Law in Arkansas… (Unsure how a bill becomes a law in Arkansas? As of January 1, 2020, 34 states have stand-your-ground laws or have expanded castle doctrine to apply beyond the home. The law banning open carry is being protested by several groups in Arkansas. In Arkansas, some aren’t buying the media scare stories about Stand Your Ground laws. This lawmaker had an explosive response to a white lawmaker trying to silence her in a debate on Arkansas' 'stand your ground' gun laws. Otherwise, why introduce a bill giving that protection to people in the state?. Updated: 5:38 PM CST February 24, 2021. In the proposed bill Senator Ballinger says that a person cannot be the aggressor or be somewhere unlawfully and still have protections of the “Stand Your Ground” law. (AP) — Arkansas lawmakers gave final approval Wednesday to legislation loosening the state's restrictions on using lethal … The state does have statutes that law out when force can be used. Senate approves Arkansas 'Stand Your Ground' law, bill moves on to House. Arkansas Senator Breaks Down How ‘Stand Your Ground’ Law Encourages White Violence. Self Defense and “Stand Your Ground”. 3 Mar 2021 52. LITTLE ROCK, Ark. The so-called “stand your ground law” (shoot first, questions later) was beaten in 2021, but the legislature is worse than ever. Open carry of long guns is allowed in Arkansas. FILE - In this March 23, 2020 file photo, Gov. Arkansas Gov. This site is maintained by the Arkansas Bureau of Legislative Research, Information Systems Dept., and is the official website of the Arkansas General Assembly. The most recent was signed into law by Ohio’s governor earlier this year. Arkansas Self Defense Laws. Florida passed the first such law in 2005. . Posted: Dec 29, 2020 / 09:34 PM CST / Updated: Dec 29, 2020 / 10:38 PM CST. Black community leaders, groups, and … Arkansas lawmakers give final OK to ‘Stand Your Ground’ bill. January 2, 2020 Attorney General Statement on Church Security and Alabama’s Stand-Your-Ground Law In the aftermath of the heinous attack on West Freeway Church of Christ in White Settlement, Texas, the Attorney General has received inquiries from the media and the general public about the current state of the law in Alabama related The “Stand Your Ground” Law states that there is no duty to retreat from the situation before using deadly force and is not limited to one’s home, place of work, or vehicle. Arkansas state laws dictate that it is legal for anyone who is at least 18 years old to carry firearms without permission. Added information on the new Stand Your Ground Law in the Summary. Technically, there is no stand your ground law in Arkansas. (KFTA) — In March, a video of Arkansas State Senator Stephanie Flowers (D-Pine Bluff) went viral after an emotional protest of a proposed “stand your ground” bill. 5/26/2020. — The controversial Stand Your Ground law in Arkansas has passed the House and will now head to Governor Asa Hutchinson's desk. Before the famous 2012 Trayvon Martin case, these laws were overwhelmingly supported across racial lines. Arkansas Gun Laws. Anyone who supplies firearms to someone under the age of 18 will be criminally liable if the furnishing is not under the consent of a parent, guardian, or individual responsible for the minor. Despite passionate support from some residents and Republican politicians, Arkansas will not see a new ‘Stand Your Ground’ law on the books this year. There have been numerous attempts to enact a ‘stand your ground’ and ‘castle doctrine’ law in the State of Arkansas, however, they’ve all been unsuccessful. The irony is that George Zimmerman never used the Stand Your Ground law in his defense. This law, however, has its restrictions and prohibitions. 8 college students charged after 20-year-old dies from alleged fraternity hazing. Sen. Stephanie Flowers put the Arkansas Senate Judiciary Committee on … More. There are laws throughout the U.S. that allow people to defend themselves when threatened, but the latitude that they have to do so varies from state to state. Many states have enacted so-called stand your ground laws that remove any duty to retreat before using force in self-defense. Florida passed the first such law in 2005. 2020-06-26 2020-11-11: Added information on a live-fire training exemption for military in the Training Section . Some states have had these laws since their inceptions. AWR Hawkins. Arkansas Proposed Stand Your Ground Law ‘On Hold’ Until 2021. This site is maintained by the Arkansas Bureau of Legislative Research, ... Arkansas Law. Posted on October 21, 2020. 38 states are stand-your-ground states, 30 by statutes providing "that there is no duty to retreat from an attacker in any place in which one is lawfully present": Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, … This principle … One particularly controversial law is the “stand your ground” law. Stand your ground laws allow a person to use force if necessary if there is a threat of harm. Many self-defense laws state that a person that believes they are being threatened with personal injury has a duty to retreat. 2020-09-03: Added information on Self Defense in the Summary. Castle Laws generally include: the places where this law applies, the requirements fro use of deadly force, if there is a duty to retreat, the amount of force that maybe used in defending one's self or others. LITTLE ROCK, Ark. Asa Hutchinson (R) signed Stand Your Ground legislation into law Wednesday, strengthening law-abiding citizens’ ability to defend themselves when under deadly attack. Arkansas’ law won’t take effect until 90 days after the Legislature adjourns this year’s session. Log in to Reply. At least 28 states have “Stand your Ground” laws, according to the Giffords Center to Prevent Gun Violence. Wednesday, December 30, 2020. Copyright 2020 KAIT. FILE - In this March 23, 2020 file photo, Gov. The “Duty to Retreat” Law states that one cannot harm another in self-defense when it is possible to … FILE — Sen. Bob Ballinger is shown in this file photo. The common law principle of “castle doctrine” says that individuals have the right to use reasonable force, including deadly force, to protect themselves against an intruder in their home. The proposal removes any duty to retreat. They vary by state. . Overview of Arizona's Stand Your Ground and Self Defense Laws. But, this can be more difficult than you'd think because most laws are written in legal jargon. Some states expand this to vehicles, and the person's place of work. For example, the criminal code 5-2-605 allows the following people to use force: Monday, April 6, 2020. 1,138. SB24 removes the obligation for a person to retreat before deadly force can be used. Republican Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson, right, speaks in Little Rock, Ark. Support NRA-ILA. Time is ripe for Arkansas to have such a law, they say by John Moritz | December 24, 2020 at 7:18 a.m. As of March 3, 2021 Arkansas has a “ stand your ground” law, and there is no duty to retreat before force can be used for self-defense anywhere a person is lawfully allowed to be. Arkansas Code and Constitution of 1874 ... 12/23/2020 8:34:40 AM Filed Amendments. Castle Laws are laws that address the use of force when defending one's self inside their home, or on their property.