Task force says 'stand your ground' is good law

A state task force has determined that Florida's so-called "stand your ground" statute is a good law and shouldn't be overturned.

The 44-page report released Friday by Gov. Rick Scott's office said all persons — regardless of citizenship status — have a right to feel safe and secure in Florida and have a fundamental right to 'stand their ground' and defend themselves from attack with proportionate force.

The report recommends that Legislators review standards for neighborhood watch groups. The parents of 17-year-old Trayvon Martin, who was killed by a neighborhood watch volunteer last year, had asked the task force to change the law so defendants couldn't use it in a self-defense argument.

The task force recommends that watch volunteers should be told not to pursue, confront or provoke potential suspects.