(CNN) —
Cases of self-defense aren’t always simple – especially in states with a “stand your ground” law.
In July 2018, police say Michael Drejka fatally shot a man who shoved and knocked him to the ground in an argument over a parking space in Florida.
Although critics say Drejka’s use of deadly force was uncalled for, the Pinellas County sheriff declined to arrest him, citing the state’s “stand your ground” law, which gave him immunity. The decision sparked outcry and calls for reform.
But it’s not the first time a “stand your ground” law has created controversy. Many states have similar laws on the books.
Here’s what you need to know about them.
Generally, “stand your ground” laws allow people to respond to threats or force without fear of criminal prosecution.
Most self-defense laws state that a person under threat of physical injury has a “duty to retreat.” If after retreating the threat continues, the person may respond with force.
“If you attack me in a non-’stand your ground’ state, I’ve got to try to get out of it,” explained CNN legal analyst Mark O’Mara. “I have to retreat before I attack … The theory is, it (responding with force) has to be your last chance.”
“But in ‘stand your ground’ states, you have no obligation to retreat,” O’Mara said.
In other words, someone facing an imminent threat can use lethal force right away – without first trying to escape.
01:56 - Source: CNN
Uber driver killed man who threatened him
PHOTO:
Polk County Sheriff's Office
Now playing
Uber driver killed man who threatened him
PHOTO:
MARKEIS MCGLOCKTON FAMILY
Now playing
Man charged in 'stand your ground' case
PHOTO:
Surveillance Video
A still photo from a surveillance camera showing what police describe as Michael Drejka shooting Markies McGlockton on July 19, 2018.
Now playing
Crump on the McGlockton shooting (July 2018)
Victim's girlfriend: He didn't have to go like this
PHOTO:
Surveillance Video
A still photo from a surveillance camera showing what police describe as Michael Drejka shooting Markies McGlockton on July 19, 2018.
Now playing
Man may avoid charges in fatal shooting over law
ac cooper dnt marissa alexander stand your ground_00000329.jpg
Now playing
Alexander: I went to prison for firing a warning shot
ac cooper intv marissa alexander stand your ground_00021422.jpg
Now playing
Alexander: I believed in my innocence
PHOTO:
CNN
Marissa Alexander, who fired a gun in self-defense against her abusive husband, is hoping the "stand your ground law" protects her.
Now playing
Woman in 'stand your ground' case released from prison
exp erin dnt mattingly stand your ground protests_00014710.jpg
Now playing
Changes coming to 'Stand Your Ground'?
ac crump stand ground_00001917.jpg
Now playing
Ben Crump on 'stand your ground'
PHOTO:
Bob Mack/POOL/The Florida Times-Union/AP
Michael Dunn reacts after the verdict is read in Jacksonville, Florida, on Saturday, Feburary 15.
Now playing
What's next for self-defense laws?
ac equal justice theater shooting_00034612.jpg
Now playing
Movie theater killer's self-defense claim
PHOTO:
WAWS
dnt marissa alexander released from jail_00000730.jpg
Now playing
Woman in 'warning shot' case released
ac marissa alexander update tuchman intv_00001416.jpg
Now playing
Florida stand your ground case
Stand Your Ground Brown Newday _00020711.jpg
Now playing
Man kills 2 neighbors,claims self defense
Mark O'Mara on the shooting of Markeis McGlockton
PHOTO:
Polk County Sheriff's Office
Now playing
Uber driver killed man who threatened him
PHOTO:
MARKEIS MCGLOCKTON FAMILY
Now playing
Man charged in 'stand your ground' case
PHOTO:
Surveillance Video
A still photo from a surveillance camera showing what police describe as Michael Drejka shooting Markies McGlockton on July 19, 2018.
Now playing
Crump on the McGlockton shooting (July 2018)
Victim's girlfriend: He didn't have to go like this
PHOTO:
Surveillance Video
A still photo from a surveillance camera showing what police describe as Michael Drejka shooting Markies McGlockton on July 19, 2018.
Now playing
Man may avoid charges in fatal shooting over law
ac cooper dnt marissa alexander stand your ground_00000329.jpg
Now playing
Alexander: I went to prison for firing a warning shot
ac cooper intv marissa alexander stand your ground_00021422.jpg
Now playing
Alexander: I believed in my innocence
PHOTO:
CNN
Marissa Alexander, who fired a gun in self-defense against her abusive husband, is hoping the "stand your ground law" protects her.
Now playing
Woman in 'stand your ground' case released from prison
exp erin dnt mattingly stand your ground protests_00014710.jpg
Now playing
Changes coming to 'Stand Your Ground'?
ac crump stand ground_00001917.jpg
Now playing