Open Thread on Zimmerman Trial

[LisaA]

The facts indicate that Martin could easily have made it home, but he chose instead to go back and confront Zimmerman. He also could have dialed 911 and reported Zimmerman following him, if this was really such a frightening incident. Apparently he chose not to.

WOW that is a great point! I wonder when the Defense will bring this up? He was talking to Janteal at the time so clearly a cell phone was available were he to really feel threatened. Also he didn’t express fear to Janteal but anger about the “crazy a** crack*r” who seemed to be watching him. Were he truly feeling threatened by Zimmerman he could have proceded quickly back to his father’s place and/or called 911. I realize that when you have an adolescent who has poor judgment and perhaps less control over his emotions, it’s easy to second guess his actions. But like Zimmerman, he did have options that would have resulted in a less violent outcome.

Martin knew of his intentions which were not to commit a crime but Zimmerman could only base his conclusions on what he observed. Tragic misunderstanding on both sides. Zimmerman does not seem to have intended deliberate harm to Martin and Martin did not plan to burglarize one of the homes. But neither could read the other’s mind.

 

[Bill1940]

In view of the President’s inappropriate remarks and the media’s one sided coverage, a fair trial is severely compromised. Perhaps the right of self-defense is also on trial. Let us pray for a just outcome.

 

[vz71]

Law enforcement is not infallible. Kevin hit the "nail on the head’ Most of you feel the trial is unjust so you see one side of the issue.
No wonder.

Or we are simply seeing that there is no evidence that the shooting was anything more then self-defense.
Something law enforcement also agreed with.

 

[styrgwillidar]

…
and Martin did not plan to burglarize one of the homes. But neither could read the other’s mind.

Yes. Although the testimony this morning about finding a burglary tool in the location Martin would have been hiding/sheltering a ‘few days’ after the incident lends an interesting twist to the story. Doubt they’d have gotten any prints off of it after that long. So can’t be tied to Martin and can’t be proven not to be. Will it influence the jury’s thinking?.

 

[styrgwillidar]

Law enforcement is not infallible. Kevin hit the "nail on the head’ Most of you feel the trial is unjust so you see one side of the issue.
No wonder.

It’s interesting that the interpretation of the exact same testimony is viewed very differently by analysts working for various networks. On CNN, everything contradicts Zimmerman and supports the prosecution. Legal insurrection’s expert on self-defense laws sees almost everything as supporting the defense’s story.

 

[Cider]

It’s interesting that the interpretation of the exact same testimony is viewed very differently by analysts working for various networks. On CNN, everything contradicts Zimmerman and supports the prosecution. Legal insurrection’s expert on self-defense laws sees almost everything as supporting the defense’s story.

That’s why I’m not watching any commentary, I’m just watching the testimony at the trial.

 

[LisaA]

In view of the President’s inappropriate remarks and the media’s one sided coverage, a fair trial is severely compromised. Perhaps the right of self-defense is also on trial. Let us pray for a just outcome.

And for acceptance of the verdict if Zimmerman is acquitted. I was NOT happy with the OJ verdict but I am not sure anyone was inspired to riot, threaten the lives of OJ or his attorneys.

More testimony this morning from Zimmerman’s friend. I don’t know what the Prosecution Attorney is doing, calling all these witnesses who seem to help the defense more than the prosecution. He offered some additional detail, that Martin was wandering between two townhomes rather than on the sidewalk adjacent. He said it was a dog path…or dog walking path for residents rather than a public area. He also spoke of what Zimmerman reported he saw, how he described Martin (tall and slender), how he called the non-emergency number rather than 911. Of course he’s a friendly witness but it sounds like measured and deliberate action to be sure Martin was legitimately in the area, rather than animosity or intended violence.

He also reported that Zimmerman wasn’t in the neighborhood just cruising around but was initially on his way to buy groceries when he noticed Martin. So I think that also comports with the theory that Zimmerman was not just out there looking for trouble.

I keep wondering when the Prosecution will bring forth witnesses that help their story. I can’t imagine they are not doing this deliberately…getting out the somewhat anti-Martin witnesses’ testimony out early and then trying to counter it with more pro Martin testimony (his mother for example) to finish their case.

Lisa

 

[styrgwillidar]

And for acceptance of the verdict if Zimmerman is acquitted. I was NOT happy with the OJ verdict but I am not sure anyone was inspired to riot, threaten the lives of OJ or his attorneys. …

Kind of OT, have you read Vincent Bugliosi’s book “Outrage”? He goes through the OJ trial showing, in his opinion, the incompetence of the attorneys on both sides. Particularly the prosecution failing to introduce key evidence. So, the jury decision was reasonable based on what they were presented.

 

[LisaA]

Kind of OT, have you read Vincent Bugliosi’s book “Outrage”? He goes through the OJ trial showing, in his opinion, the incompetence of the attorneys on both sides. Particularly the prosecution failing to introduce key evidence. So, the jury decision was reasonable based on what they were presented.

I have read some of his books, not sure about that one. I agree that the prosecution in OJ failed in some respects but in the final analysis, I think the whole verdict was based on the jury’s anger at Mark Fuhrman’s racially tinged remarks. He was clearly guilty and even though some evidence was not presented, I believe the state made its case. But you never know about juries…Casey Anthony? Good grief!

My understanding is that the Defense has advanced complaints that the Prosecution failed to turn over certain evidence as they are required to do. The judge did not rule that this would impinge the case however. So they are moving forward. Quite honestly it looks like the Defense might as well let the Prosecution continue to make THEIR case.

Lisa

 

[styrgwillidar]

statelymcdanielmanor.wordpress.com/category/courts-and-cops/the-trayvon-martin-case/

LisaA,

Look at update 27; update 29; update 30; they discuss and link back to earlier postings on the prosecution failing to provide information as part of routine discovery.

 

[SamH]

Quite honestly it looks like the Defense might as well let the Prosecution continue to make THEIR case.

Lisa

The only thing that would make it worse is if a prosecution witness plead the 5th.

 

[Dawnia]

Some of the Judges rulings seem kind of odd. Throwing out testimony of officer who said he believed Zimmerman, but letting in Zimmerman’s school records. Is she purposely setting up the situation for an appeal? What the heck do his school records from two years ago have to do with this case?

Can’t wait to get off work to watch exchange between ME & defense attorney…heard it is entertaining.

 

[EmperorNapoleon]

Some of the Judges rulings seem kind of odd. Throwing out testimony of officer who said he believed Zimmerman…

Its legal procedure.

What the heck do his school records from two years ago have to do with this case?

“Prosecutors on Tuesday also asked the judge to allow them to introduce school records showing Zimmerman took a class that addressed Florida’s self-defense law. They say it will show he had knowledge of the law, even though he claimed he didn’t in an interview with talk show host Sean Hannity. The interview was played for jurors.”

Link

 

[SamH]

“Prosecutors on Tuesday also asked the judge to allow them to introduce school records showing Zimmerman took a class that addressed Florida’s self-defense law. They say it will show he had knowledge of the law, even though he claimed he didn’t in an interview with talk show host Sean Hannity. The interview was played for jurors.”

Link

When did Sean Hannity become an investigator for the state of Florida?

 

[LisaA]

statelymcdanielmanor.wordpress.com/category/courts-and-cops/the-trayvon-martin-case/

LisaA,

Look at update 27; update 29; update 30; they discuss and link back to earlier postings on the prosecution failing to provide information as part of routine discovery.

Wow thanks…lots of detail. Apparently the thought from this blog is that the judge is rather predisposed to favor Martin’s side of things. I think not allowing past acts of Martin is unfair if she is going to allow past acts on the part of Zimmerman (previous 911 calls and other reports to law enforcement). Clearly the media has tried Zimmerman and convicted him about a year ago.

Lisa

 

[LisaA]

When did Sean Hannity become an investigator for the state of Florida?

When he had testimony that indicated the Stand Your Ground law was not part of Zimmerman’s defense. Interesting they let in information on a class taken by Zimmerman but omitted Martin’s past including reports of marijuana, stolen items, and a fascination with martial arts.

But I feel the defense is prepared for whatever the prosecution pulls out or hides.

Lisa

 

[Dawnia]

Its legal procedure.

I’m familiar with legal procedure…that’s why I think it’s odd.

“Prosecutors on Tuesday also asked the judge to allow them to introduce school records showing Zimmerman took a class that addressed Florida’s self-defense law. They say it will show he had knowledge of the law, even though he claimed he didn’t in an interview with talk show host Sean Hannity. The interview was played for jurors.”

Link

Interesting.

 

[SamH]

When he had testimony that indicated the Stand Your Ground law was not part of Zimmerman’s defense. Interesting they let in information on a class taken by Zimmerman but omitted Martin’s past including reports of marijuana, stolen items, and a fascination with martial arts.

Not to mention his propensity for violence.

 

[EmperorNapoleon]

Not to mention his propensity for violence.

As does George Zimmerman.

 

[LisaA]

Not to mention his propensity for violence.

Nope…he was just this sweet little kid buying Skittles and ice tea. Honestly though the whole thing is very sad. You have an apparently aimless young man with some questionable decisions in his past. Add a really unfortunate set of circumstances leading to an early and violent death. He has a girlfriend who is barely literate with a potty mouth, who can barely string together a coherent thought. Broken families, drug use and minimal prospects for a bright future. Very sad indeed.

Lisa