Schumer: DOJ should expand investigation into 'Stand Your Ground'

Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-NY) said Sunday morning that he would urge the Department of Justice (DOJ) to expand their investigation into the "Stand Your Ground" laws that have become a major subplot in the Trayvon Martin shooting.

Appearing on CBS' Face the Nation, Schumer indicated that he would be sending a letter in the afternoon to ask the DOJ "to expand their investigation" into the controversial law.

"This 'Stand Your Ground' law is a whole new concept in our jurisprudence," he said. "It basically says if you fear great physical harm you can shoot. Some people call it 'Shoot first, ask questions later.'"

"I think we should examine this law," he added. "They're all new. They've been passed very, very quickly and I think the states who passed them, if they find out the real facts, they may decide to repeal them."

Florida's "Stand Your Ground" law has been adopted by 23 other states. The National Rifle Association and the right-wing organization American Legislative Exchange Council have reportedly been behind state's decision to take up the law, which was signed by former Florida governor Jed Bush in 2005.

WATCH: Video from CBS, which was broadcast on March 25, 2012 (Highlighted mark from :15 to 1:26).