It is my understanding that “Stand Your Ground” is a part of FL’s larger self-defense law. If GZ can convince a judge in a hearing that it is more likely than not that he acted in self-defense, then he is immune from prosecution and from civil suits. SYG has become a shorthand for the FL self-defense statute, even though, in this case, GZ had no means to retreat.
If he can’t convince the judge, then he goes to trial and can still assert self-defense. To be found guilty, it has to be beyond a reasonable doubt. In that case, whether he is found guilty or not, he can still be sued civilly.
Interesting. I guess I figured most of what you said already, I just didn’t realize that merely going to trial was the threshold to being sued in civil court under the FL law.
To me, none of this makes any sense (the laws on self defense). That we allow people who were legitimately defending themselves to be sued and have massive judgements against them; well, it just boggles the mind.