In the aftermath of the Trayvon/Zimmerman saga, a case that brought added attention to the issue of racial profiling and racism in the "Gods own country", "the land of the free"; in which many have said the law was manipulated to favor one skin color over the other.

I do have my personal convictions about this case and what really transpired; however, I respect the law and I believe in the legal system of the United States of America.

In the light of the events of the last couple of weeks, the case of a Florida woman who fired warning shots against her abusive husband and was sentenced to 20 years in prison also deserve some review.

In August of 2010, Marissa Alexander fired warning shots inside her home in an attempt to escape a brutal beating by her husband, against whom she has already taken out a protective order. WETV reports that circuit court Judge James Daniel handed down the sentence on Friday. Under Florida's mandatory minimum sentencing requirements, Alexander could not receive a lesser sentence, even though she has never been in trouble with the law before. Judge Daniel said the law did not allow for extenuating or mitigating circumstances to reduce the sentence below the 20-year minimum.

It is very logical to think that the "stand your ground" rule should apply to Marissa too if it was applied to the Zimmerman case. For all we know, the outcome of the Marissa confrontation was not even fatal.The "stand the ground" rule is based on the fact that one of the parties must "perceive" danger and can immediately retaliate in self defense. Marissa perceived danger and took steps to protect herself; just like Zimmerman was said to have perceived danger and took steps to protect himself.

Is this a case of double standards in Florida? Does the law deliberately favor a particular kind of people over the other? Is this peculiar to Florida or its just the reality of the American society?

http://www.infonubia.com/2013/07/is-this-case-of-double-standards-in.html