New Trial for Battered Woman in Florida Who Was Sentenced to 20 Years in Prison for Firing a Warning Shot

An appellate court in Florida has reversed the conviction of Marissa Alexander, An African-American woman who was sentenced to 20 years in prison for firing a warning shot into the air while being abused by her husband. Apparently there was a major altercation in the home about a week after the couple's child was born, during which Marissa had to lock herself in the bathroom to get away from her husband, who was threatening to kill her that day. He "broke through the door, grabbed her by the neck, and" threw her into the door. She ran into the garage to escape, but she could not get the garage door open. So she grabbed the gun and ran back in. As he threatened to kill her, she fired a warning shot into the air. No one was hurt by the shot.

Meanwhile, convicted rapists are getting 30-day sentences . . . . 15 months at best . . . . .

Marissa pleaded the Stand Your Ground defense, but the defense failed. Instead, the jury convicted her of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and she was sentenced to 20 years because it is the mandatory minimum sentence for gun crimes. Now the appeals court has remanded the case for a new trial because the jury instructions on self defense were erroneous.

Interestingly, the prosecutor who prosecuted Marissa Alexander was the same prosecutor who prosecuted George Zimmerman. Only Zimmerman was acquitted for his role in the altercation which resulted in the actual death of Trayvon Martin.

Marissa Alexander Will Get a New Trial - MSNBC

Florida Woman Given 20 Years For Firing Warning Shot Gets New Trial - nbcnews.com

Domestic Violence Outlawed in Saudi Arabia

Just yesterday, domestic violence was declared illegal for the first time ever in Saudi Arabia. Finally, some good news from Saudi Arabia--a country where women are still not allowed to vote! In fact, it is the only country left in the entire world where women are still not allowed to vote (except for, um, maybe the Vatican). But don't worry, King Abdullah promises voting IS on the agenda . . . in 2015. Now, for that pesky ban in Saudi Arabia against women driving cars . . . .

Saudi Arabia Passes Domestic Abuse Ban For First Time - Huffington Post

Saudi Arabia's Domestic Violence Law is a First Step to Changing Attitudes - The Guardian