Eric Holder: Time to question 'Stand Your Ground' laws

U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder told those attending an NAACP convention Tuesday that controversial "Stand Your Ground" self-defense laws that have been adopted in 30 states should be reconsidered.

Holder was addressing the audience at the civil rights group's annual convention in Orlando, Fla., 25 miles from the small city of Sanford, where jurors Saturday issued a not-guilty verdict in the Trayvon Martin murder case.

"Separate and apart from the case that has drawn the nation's attention, it's time to question laws that senselessly expand the concept of self-defense and sow dangerous conflict in our neighborhoods," Holder said.

Neighborhood watch volunteer George Zimmerman gunned down the unarmed Martin during a struggle in a gated community. Zimmerman followed and then confronted the 17-year-old, whom he believed was suspicious.

Zimmerman, who stood trial for second-degree murder, argued that he feared for his life during the struggle.