Will 'Stand Your Ground' Be Used In Florida Theater Shooting?

07:44

January 16, 2014

Curtis Reeves appears via video conference before Circuit Judge Lynn Tepper in Wesley Chapel, Fla. on Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2014. (Brendan Fitterer/The Tampa Bay Times via AP)

Since retired Florida police captain Curtis Reeves Jr. shot and killed Chad Oulson, who was texting in a movie theater, earlier this week, debate has been growing around whether the shooter can be defended under the controversial "Stand Your Ground" law.

Under Stand Your Ground, a person can use deadly force if he or she fears death or great bodily harm, even if retreat is possible. It factored into the case of George Zimmerman, who was acquitted in the shooting death of Trayvon Martin. Zimmerman's attorneys didn't use the Stand Your Ground defense, but information about the law was included in jury instructions.

Jessica Vander Velde has been covering the story for the Tampa Bay Times, and joins Here & Now's Robin Young with details.

Tampa Bay Times' full coverage of Florida's "Stand Your Ground" law

Guest

Jessica Vander Velde, staff writer for the Tampa Bay Times, reporting on law enforcement and crime. She tweets @jvvTimes.

This segment aired on January 16, 2014.