The controversy following the outcome of the George Zimmerman trial in Florida last week is prompting some calls for a reexamination of states that have "Stand Your Ground" laws on the books.
However, Matt Grossman, assistant professor of political science at Michigan State University and author of “The Not So Special Interests," said he doesn't think the controversy will result in major changes.
Zimmerman was found not guilty earlier this month in the shooting death of Florida teenager Trayvon Martin after an alleged altercation last year. Some opponents of the verdict have cited Florida's “Stand Your Ground” law, which pertains to a person using force in self-defense, for contributing to Zimmerman's acquittal.
Public opinion about the verdict was so heated that the case's outcome even reverberated in the halls of Washington, D.C. President Barack Obama said in a news conference on Friday that the case opened up a national dialogue on race in the U.S. and might prompt some to look at those laws again. During the weekend, Republican U.S. Sen. John McCain said he thinks the laws should be reexamined.
Despite this, Grossman said doesn’t feel like the movement is going to have any staying power
"I'm generally skeptical that national calls to reform laws have a straight line toward repeals in state legislatures where those laws might have more supporters," said Grossman.
