Argumentative Essay On Murder Or Self-Defense

Christopher Garcia

Persuasive Essay

Mrs. Burris MWF- 10 a.m.

18 November 2015

Murder or Self-Defense

The Second Amendment to the United States Constitution was ratified on December 17, 1791, stating, "A well-regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free state, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.” This gave people the right to defend themselves with weapons if being threatened, but the Second Amendment holds the distinction of being the only amendment in the Bill of Rights that essentially goes unenforced. Self-Defense is defined as "the protection of one's person or property against some injury attemped by another," and murder is defined as "the unlawful killing of another human being without

As is often the case, the witnesses’ had conflicting stories as to what occurred, making it difficult to prove or disprove the justice in Zimmerman shooting Martin in self-defense. Zimmerman did not face any criminal charges, but many believe that it was not self-defense. “Angry at Mr. Zimmerman and feeling threatened, Mr. Martin pushed him to the ground, punched him and slammed his head into the pavement, leaving visible wounds, defense lawyers said. Mr. Zimmerman, flat on his back, took out a gun and killed Mr. Martin. He told the police it was self-defense” (Alvarez). Was Zimmerman’s reaction understandable? Being beaten and thrown against the cold hard pavement creates a situation in which self-defense is necessary. However who felt the need for self-defense first? Martin was angry that, a man who did not even know him, was accusing him. Martin being younger and smaller than Zimmerman felt threatened by the mere fact Zimmerman was prosecuting him. By killing in self-defense, people are putting themself in a situation to either be a convicted murderer or a victim in a nasty