Stand Your Ground law cited in movie theater shooting case – CBS News

DADE CITY, Fla. -- A Florida judge is hearing evidence to determine whether a retired police officer acted in self-defense when he shot a man in a movie theater in 2014.

Retired police officer Curtis Reeves, right, sits with his defense attorney Richard Escobar during a hearing at the Robert D. Sumner Judicial Center in Dade City, Fla. on Tuesday, Feb. 21, 2017.

Charlie Kaijo /Tampa Bay Times via AP, Pool

Pinellas-Pasco Circuit Judge Susan Barthle is being asked to decide whether Curtis Reeves should be immune from prosecution under Floridas controversial stand your ground statute. The hearing started Monday and continued on Tuesday.

The law says a person has no duty to retreat when faced with a violent confrontation and can use deadly force if he or she fears death or great bodily harm.

Reeves shot 43-year-old Chad Oulson during an argument over texting as movie previews played.

Prosecutors say the 74-year-old Reeves provoked the confrontation. Reeves attorneys say Oulsons actions made him think he was in danger of serious assault.

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