NC lawmaker wants to scale back state's ‘Stand Your Ground' law

RALEIGH, N.C. — Authorities are waiting for the man accused of killing 17-year-old Trayvon Martin to turn himself back in to police after a judge revoked his bond and ordered him back to jail for allegedly lying.

Prosecutors said George Zimmerman misled them about his finances and did not disclose a second passport.

Zimmerman’s lawyer said he is trying to set up a hearing so his client can explain the discrepancies uncovered by prosecutors.

Zimmerman has maintained he was defending himself against Martin on the night of the shooting. He used Florida’s “Stand Your Ground” law as his legal defense.

At the same time, a North Carolina lawmaker filed a bill this week that would change a similar law in the state.

State Rep. Rodney Moore wants to limit a new North Carolina law that expands the set of circumstances when a person can legally shoot and kill an intruder if they feel seriously threatened.

The current law goes beyond people’s homes to their cars or workplaces.

“Several times, this law has been used in other states to justify shootings,” Moore said.

And Moore is worried it could lead to racial profiling and cases like Zimmerman’s.

Zimmerman was initially not charged with a crime due to Florida’s law.

“If you make a decision to take a life, there should be some type of inquiry or investigation,” Moore said.

Supporters of the North Carolina law said it clearly states where and when deadly force is appropriate, leaving less open to interpretation.

Still, Moore co-sponsored a bill filed Tuesday in Raleigh that asked to have to workplace and automobile language removed from the law.

“We want to make sure all our citizens are protected, no matter who they are,” he said.

Supporters of the law said the law as it stands is designed to protect North Carolina’s citizens.

Moore’s bill is currently in the House Judiciary Committee for review.

WSOC