Thread: State of Florida vs George Zimmerman

So, I have been following this case closely. Dude to my extensive background in law and interpretation of law, I enjoy it very much. Here is my conclusion as the jury is now in deliberation on the charge of 2nd degree murder.

Forget the alleged chasing, the provocation, the lying. It comes down to only this: When Zimmerman was on his back with Martin on top of him, did he shoot in self defense? What transpired to that point is irrelevant.


Thoughts.


(Please, if you are going to argue with me, argue with law in mind and facts of the case presented, not with personal opinion. Otherwise, you just look stupid )

I gonna say guilty of manslaughter.

He met non-lethal force with lethal force.

Your leaving out the possibility of the manslaughter conviction.

I think he should get neither. I think the Jury will give him the manslaughter conviction.

I was thinking that as well, until I read the burden of proof and elements of Florida's manslaughter laws. It states that in order for a conviction, the state has to prove that there was an act of "culpable negligence" which the prosecution has, to this point, failed to prove in the court room. The evidence points stronger to Zimmerman's recollection of walking back to his car and then approached by Treyvon. So I think this one is a little iffy, but knowing stupid uneducated people of Florida (I mean come on, they can't even get elections right) they may move towards the Manslaughter charge.

Originally Posted by triggerhappy2005

I gonna say guilty of manslaughter.He met non-lethal force with lethal force.

If he was banging his arms against the pavement, absolutely. Head is a different situation altogether. Sometimes a lot of force can just give you a mild concussion, but sometimes a seemingly non-lethal force can ultimately kill (Re: Natasha Richardson). I agree with Nuck, neither. However, we aren't on the jury. Either Manslaughter, or a distinct possiblity of a hung jury.

Originally Posted by triggerhappy2005

I gonna say guilty of manslaughter.

He met non-lethal force with lethal force.

You don't have to have lethal force exerted on you in order to go back with lethal force. That is the problem with people, they don't understand the law. All you have to do, in Florida, is believe that your life is in danger, or you stand the chance of having serious bodily injury sustained to you.

Zimmerman obviously was fearful for his life, by the look of his head, broken nose etc...

Originally Posted by SlytherN

What is intriguing is the pressure on the jury to come up with a conviction. If this case had no racial elements I say based on the prosecutions inability to prove its side, he would be acquitted. On the other hand nobody wants to see a replay of the LA riots, so the verdict will be guilty of manslaughter.

And that is what is wrong with America. We have a justice system so things can be fair and balanced, and blind. Letting emotions of possible riots come into play is just a huge disrespect to America imo.

My thought is, if Treyvon was alive, I firmly believe he would be facing assault charges. Almost everyone can agree to this, which makes me feel that Zimmerman was defending himself.

I think he will be found not guilty. The prosecution didn't meet their burden at all. Not even close.

The jury instructions state:

“The killing of a human being is justifiable homicide and lawful if necessarily done while resisting an attempt to murder or commit a felony upon George Zimmerman, or to commit a felony in any dwelling house in which George Zimmerman was at the time of the killing,”


Read more: Three options await Zimmerman jurors once high-profile case concludes | Fox News

Aggravated assault is a felony, and that is the crime Martin was committing during his attack on Zimmerman, if the jury believes that concrete can be a deadly weapon. I think they will see it that way. But who knows, juries are crazy.

Originally Posted by Kraker Jak

And that is what is wrong with America. We have a justice system so things can be fair and balanced, and blind. Letting emotions of possible riots come into play is just a huge disrespect to America imo.

My thought is, if Treyvon was alive, I firmly believe he would be facing assault charges. Almost everyone can agree to this, which makes me feel that Zimmerman was defending himself.

I'm with you its totally wrong and this is between 2 minority groups. Why race is even a factor doesn't make since. If acquitted all Americans will be penalized.