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January 28, 2015

Florida Domestic Abuse Survivor Marissa Alexander Freed After Three Years in Prison 
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In Florida, domestic abuse survivor Marissa Alexander has returned home
after three years in prison. She was jailed after firing a warning shot
into a wall near her abusive husband. Alexander, who is
African-American, was originally sentenced to 20 years in prison.
Alexander's attorneys unsuccessfully tried to use Florida's "Stand Your
Ground" law in her defense, saying she feared for her life when she
fired the shot. After an appeals court ordered a new trial over faulty
jury instructions, a deal was reached for her early release.

 

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