The Vigil

Monday, March 26, 2012, will mark the one month anniversary of Trayvon Martin's death. On this day, NBLSA asks you to honor Trayvon's life by holding a vigil on your campus. All are invited to stand in solidarity with Trayvon's family and demand #JusticeForTrayvon.

The Controversy

On February 26, 2012, 17 year-old Trayvon, dressed in a dark, hooded sweatshirt, was shot near his home located in a gated community in Florida. The gunman, 28 year-old George Zimmerman, a self-appointed neighborhood watchman, felt Trayvon looked suspicious. Officers told Zimmerman not to shoot; he ignored those orders and murdered an innocent young man. To date, Zimmerman has not been arrested for murder based on Florida's "Justifiable Use of Force" statute, commonly referred to as the "Stand Your Ground" self-defense law.

The Law

In Florida, the law permits residents to use deadly force if they "reasonably [believe] it is necessary to do so to prevent death or great bodily harm to himself or herself or another or to prevent the commission of a forcible felony." Florida Stat. §776.013(3) 2006.

26 other states have enacted similar statutes which stem from the Castle Doctrine and 16 allow force in public places.

For more information on the facts, the law, and the controversy surrounding Trayvon's death visit the sites below:

Trayvon Martin Story & 911 Tapes
Link To Florida Stand Your Ground Text (FS 776.013)
Sign Petition To Prosecute Trayvon's Murderer

How To Participate

1. Pick a time and location on your law school campus for individuals (students, staff and professors) to assemble.
2. Wear a hoodie to symbolize your support.
3. Have a group photo taken.
4. Send the photo to historian@nblsa.org by Wednesday, March 28, 2012.
5. Make your Facebook, Twitter, or other social network status read: NBLSA Stands Its Ground demanding #JusticeForTrayvon.
6. Post a picture of you in a hoodie.