Res No 025-14-14119RESOLUTION NO. 25-14-14119
A Resolution to seek the repeal of the Stand-Your-Ground laws and to
encourage other municipalities to join the City of South Miami in its efforts
to repeal the Stand-Your-Ground laws.
WHEREAS, Stand-Your-Ground law and other similar laws remove the duty to retreat
before using deadly force in self-defense; and
WHEREAS, Florida was the first state to pass a such laws in 2005, followed by
approximately 14 other states that passed similar laws; and
WHEREAS, some states have self-defense laws that are similar to the Stand-Y our-
Ground laws, often with at least one key difference: these laws generally apply only to the home
or other real property (such as an office) and are often referred to as "castle doctrine" or "defense
of habitation" laws; and
WHEREAS, approximately 19 states require a duty to retreat before using deadly self-
defense; and
WHEREAS, repeal of Florida's Stand-Your-Ground law will not prevent a defendant
from using deadly self-defense when in his or her home; and
WHEREAS, Stand-Your-Ground law endangers citizens because it encourages
vigilantism and the use of indiscriminate and excessive force.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE MAYOR AND CITY
COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF SOUTH MIAMI, FLORIDA:
Section 1. The City Clerk is hereby instructed to send this resolution to the League of
Cities to encourage other municipalities to join the City of South Miami its efforts to repeal the
Stand-Your-Ground laws.
Section 2. Severability. If any section clause, sentence, or phrase of this resolution is for
any reason held invalid or unconstitutional by a court of competent jurisdiction, the holding shall
not affect the validity of the remaining portions of this resolution.
Section 3. Effective Date. This resolution shall become effective immediately upon
adoption by vote of the City Commission.
PASSED AND ADOPTED this ~ day of February ,2014.
APPROVED:
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MAYOR
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Res. No. 25-14-14119
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COMMISSION VOTE: 4-1
Mayor Stoddard: Yea
Vice Mayor Harris: Yea
Commissioner Edmond: Yea
Commissioner Liebman: Nay
Commissioner Welsh: Yea