Quote:
Originally Posted by Barkingturtle
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He's not a mere "obnoxious busybody". He's a lethally armed obnoxious busybody -- a distinction which does carry with it further responsibility.
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no, from a legal standpoint, it doesn't.
the fact that he was carrying a weapon does not in any way impact his rights before or during the confrontation. he was within his rights to follow martin, armed or not. he was within his rights to ask what he was doing, armed or not. and upon being assaulted, per his statements, he was within his rights to use deadly force once he was being physically harmed and feared for his life
the fact that he had a weapon is mostly irrelevant up until he actually fired it. it doesn't alter anyone's responsibilities or rights