Andrew Branca was invited by Campbell University Law School to speak on the issue for which he is best known, The Law of Self Defense.
Here’s part of the press release announcing the visit:
Nationally renowned self-defense expert Andrew Branca will speak at Campbell Law School next Tuesday, April 8 at noon in room 105. Branca, author of “The Law of Self Defense” will speak on how self-defense has become one of the latest hot button issues in gun law politics. He will also address North Carolina’s Castle Doctrine and Stand Your Ground laws….One of the foremost experts in the United States in self-defense law across all 50 states, Branca’s expertise has been used by the Wall Street Journal, Chicago Tribune, NPR, and numerous other media organizations, as well as many private, state, and federal agencies. A Massachusetts-based attorney, he is an adjunct instructor of the law of self-defense at the Sig Sauer Academy in Epping, New Hampshire. He regularly lectures throughout the country on self-defense and the legal consequences thereafter.“Mr. Branca is one of the leading experts nationally on self-defense and the Second Amendment,” said Campbell Law Associate Professor of Law Greg Wallace. “We are fortunate to have him joining us, and I have no doubt that it will be an engaging experience for all in attendance.”
One self-described “Online tech fixer for progressive causes” tweeted:
Apparently there were other objections as well, including an “email campaign” as reported on local ABC11:
A lecture at Campbell Law School caused some controversy Tuesday.The guest speaker was an expert on guns and self-defense law, but his Twitter feed has raised some eyebrows because of comments he made about Trayvon Martin.For his part, Andrew Branca says he is not interested in the broader issue of how race plays into the justice system. He just wants to talk about the law. Yet, it is his Twitter account that had some questioning why he was invited to Campbell….Branca is a Massachusetts lawyer traveling the nation by motorcycle — a one-man lecture tour on guns and self-defense law.His strong opinions have been in hot demand since Zimmerman was acquitted of murdering Martin.”I decided what people really needed to know was the rules up front to avoid getting in trouble in the first place,” Branca said.Branca’s appearance at Campbell Law School did not go unnoticed by his critics, who call him inflammatory and say he is viciously attacking Martin and his family.Critics point to Branca’s Twitter feed. He once tweeted, “To handle Trayvon, a KelTec and one 9mm round would be fine.””Well anyone who violently attacks another person has to be prepared that person might defend themselves,” Branca said.Another tweet read, “Only person responsible for the death of Trayvon, is Trayvon. Oh, and maybe his father.””Well his parents weren’t around a lot of his upbringing,” Branca said….The Campbell law professor who invited Branca ignored the email campaign, questioning the school’s decision to have the lecture.”Our students learn best when they’re presented with point/counterpoint on various issues. We don’t shy away from controversial speakers here at Campbell,” he said.Controversy can be good for business, as well. Branca is booked solid with speaking engagements this month. He says he will only be home four days in April.
After the event, the Coalition to Stop Gun Violence also objected to Campbell Law giving Branca a “platform” claiming he “routinely celebrates” Trayvon Martin’s killing:
That’s not true, of course. Anyone who has read Branca’s writing about the case knows that he routinely celebrates the fact that the rule of law prevailed in the case, including the law of self-defense.
CSGV has not yet responded to an email request seeking clarification of its position on whether Branca should be permitted to speak at public forums.
Update 10:45 p.m. — I’ll probably have more on this, but note that CSGV is trying to prevent Branca from speaking at UC Berkeley:
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