TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) - Legislation that would shift a key burden of proof from defendants to prosecutors in "Stand Your Ground" cases is now on the desk of Florida Governor Rick Scott.
The issue stems from a Florida Supreme Court ruling in 2015 that said defendants have the burden of proof to show they should be shielded from prosecution under the "Stand Your Ground" law.
Currently, in "Stand your ground" cases, pre-trial evidentiary hearings are held to determine whether defendants should be immune from prosecution.
Prosecutors say, the hearings would have to overcome the asserted immunity sought by defendants through "clear and convincing evidence."
The bill was passed on the final day of the 2017 regular session.
Critics argue, the change could lead to cases ending before all the facts are revealed.
Scott has two weeks to sign the bill into law.
