Michigan 'stand your ground' law under fire

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DETROIT, May 18 (UPI) -- Michigan Democratic lawmakers say they want to repeal a 2006 law similar to Florida's "stand your ground" law, invoked in the killing of Trayvon Martin.

The 2006 state law, signed by former Democratic Gov. Jennifer Granholm, allows someone to use deadly force against an assailant. It differs slightly from Florida's 2005 version, which grants immunity from prosecution, unless the claim of self-defense is found to be false, The Detroit News reported.

"The 'stand your ground' law is the only law I can think of that actually promotes violence," said Rep. Tim Bledsoe, D-Mich.

Granholm said Thursday she supports a partial repeal, leaving intact the Castle Doctrine, a provision which allows a person to use deadly force in their own homes if they fear their life is in danger.

"Now that we've seen how the Castle Doctrine law has played out in real life, Gov. Granholm would support a repeal of the provision that allows people to essentially take their 'castle' into the streets," said Granholm's spokeswoman Liz Boyd.

According to Michigan State Police, since the law was enacted in 2006, justifiable homicides have been on the rise, from eight in 2007 to 16 in 2010.

Florida's "stand your ground" law was invoked after neighborhood watch volunteer Greg Zimmerman shot and killed unarmed 17-year-old Trayvon Martin Feb. 26.