The Zimmerman Trial

[Docfeelgood]

never mind

[PLATO]

no mas

[The Mad Monk]

Prosecution Closing: worst ever?

[Dr Strangelove]

I loved the part where one of the attorneys remarked that there's no law against an armed person following someone.

I wish someone would bring back Bobby Seal and the Black Panthers.:desire:

[Lorizael]

My take:

Zimmerman: Stupid, responsible, and not guilty of a crime
Martin: Stupid, irresponsible and not guilty of a crime
Florida judicial system: stupid, irresponsible, and guilty of caving into political pressure
Media: Happy as hell

I don't think there's a realistic situation where neither is guilty of a crime. Scenarios I can imagine:

Zimmerman hunted down and killed Martin; Zimmerman is guilty of a crime.

Zimmerman followed Martin, Martin assaulted Zimmerman, and Zimmerman killed Martin in self-defense; Martin is guilty of a crime.

Zimmerman followed Martin, Martin assaulted Zimmerman, and Zimmerman killed Martin but not in self-defense; Zimmerman and Martin are both guilty of a crime.

But I don't know how things could have gone down in a way where no crime was committed.

[PLATO]

I don't think there's a realistic situation where neither is guilty of a crime. Scenarios I can imagine:

Zimmerman hunted down and killed Martin; Zimmerman is guilty of a crime.

Zimmerman followed Martin, Martin assaulted Zimmerman, and Zimmerman killed Martin in self-defense; Martin is guilty of a crime.

Zimmerman followed Martin, Martin assaulted Zimmerman, and Zimmerman killed Martin but not in self-defense; Zimmerman and Martin are both guilty of a crime.

But I don't know how things could have gone down in a way where no crime was committed.

Simple...Martin feels threatened and attacks Zimmerman with a reasonable fear that Zimmerman is going to attack him and put his life at risk. Zimmerman defends himself and with a reasonable fear that Martin has attacked him for no reason and fearing for his life, shoots Martin. No crime.

[Sava]

Simple...Martin feels threatened and attacks Zimmerman with a reasonable fear that Zimmerman is going to attack him and put his life at risk. Zimmerman defends himself and with a reasonable fear that Martin has attacked him for no reason and fearing for his life, shoots Martin. No crime.

Still seems like Zimmerman started it by stalking Martin like that. Should be a crime. Manslaughter I say.

[Felch]

I loved the part where one of the attorneys remarked that there's no law against an armed person following someone.

I wish someone would bring back Bobby Seal and the Black Panthers.:desire:

Zimmerman had a permit to carry the gun. It's not illegal to follow someone down a street (nor is it provocation that would justify an assault). How hard are those two facts to understand?

[Sava]

Zimmerman had a permit to carry the gun. It's not illegal to follow someone down a street (nor is it provocation that would justify an assault). How hard are those two facts to understand?

ah yes

the second amendment

empowering murderers for over 200 years

[rah]

What's the over-under on how many people will be hurt in the riots after the verdict is finally announced? We should have a pool.

[Sava]

I don't think there will be riots.

[rah]

Then your guess is 0

[Colonâ„¢]

Would that include injury caused by very angry typing on keyboards?

[Sava]

I don't get the sense that "the community" is really that passionate about this trial. People seem to have strong opinions, but not to the point of rioting. The only people who care that much are the families. It's more likely that Trayvon's mom shoots Zimmerman outside the courthouse after the trial. But even that's a Law and Order type ending.

[Lorizael]

Simple...Martin feels threatened and attacks Zimmerman with a reasonable fear that Zimmerman is going to attack him and put his life at risk. Zimmerman defends himself and with a reasonable fear that Martin has attacked him for no reason and fearing for his life, shoots Martin. No crime.

IANAL, but I'm pretty sure your scenario means Martin committed assault.