image courtesy redbubble.com
Over at Legal Insurrection, Bill Jacobson believes that George Zimmerman must be found innocent and I wholeheartedly agree.
Logically, it should be a slam dunk of “Not Guilty” on all charges, since the evidence clearly shows Zimmerman was acting in justifiable self-defense as he was being beaten by Trayvon Martin. Or at least there is a reasonable doubt as to self-defense, which the law requires result in a Not Guilty verdict.
I’ve said it before, this was a case which never should have been brought, and it wasn’t. Not until a carefully orchestrated professionally managed publicity campaign based on false racial accusations, resulting in a Special Prosecutor.
The prosecutors in the case have tried desperately to make this about race yet the only racial overtones have come from Rachel Jeantel and Trayvon Martin.
According the Jeantel, Martin referred to Zimmerman as a “creepy ass cracker” and a ni**a.”
The Obama Department of Injustice inserted itself into the Zimmerman case:
A largely unknown group of Justice Department officials has inserted itself into the local Florida protest movement surrounding the killing of Trayvon Martin, assisting the protestors and attending their meetings and rallies.
While the officials are tasked with preventing racial violence, it appears that in carrying out their duties, they have provided significant assistance to those protesting the killing of Martin, who black, by George Zimmerman, who is half white and half Hispanic.
The officials are members of the DOJ’s Community Relations Service, also known as “The Peacemakers,” a special unit established under the 1964 Civil Rights Act and empowered to act to mitigate local tensions between ethnic groups.
But they apparently do more than that
The Peacemakers are viewed by the protestors as a quietly protective, on-the-ground force, the Sentinel story makes clear.
“They were there for us,” said the Rev. Valarie Houston, pastor of Allen Chapel AME Church, a focal point for the community after the unarmed teen’s death. She met the peacekeepers there for the first time during a March 20 town-hall meeting. “We felt protected,” she said.
One might be less cynical about the role of the CRS but for the narcissist Obama injecting himself into the debate.
[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_KQc_L0MCds[/youtube]
And now Judicial Watch has uncovered the activities of the CRS
March 25 – 27, 2012, CRS spent $674.14 upon being “deployed to Sanford, FL to work marches, demonstrations, and rallies related to the shooting and death of an African-American teen by a neighborhood watch captain.”
March 25 – 28, 2012, CRS spent $1,142.84 “in Sanford, FL to work marches, demonstrations, and rallies related to the shooting and death of an African-American teen by a neighborhood watch captain.”
March 30 – April 1, 2012, CRS spent $892.55 in Sanford, FL “to provide support for protest deployment in Florida.”
March 30 – April 1, 2012, CRS spent an additional $751.60 in Sanford, FL “to provide technical assistance to the City of Sanford, event organizers, and law enforcement agencies for the march and rally on March 31.”
April 3 – 12, 2012, CRS spent $1,307.40 in Sanford, FL “to provide technical assistance, conciliation, and onsite mediation during demonstrations planned in Sanford.”
April 11-12, 2012, CRS spent $552.35 in Sanford, FL “to provide technical assistance for the preparation of possible marches and rallies related to the fatal shooting of a 17 year old African American male.” – expenses for employees to travel, eat, sleep?
Former Police Chief Bill Lee was fired for not bringing charges against George Zimmerman. Obama’s CRS apparently helped facilitate the protests that led to Lee’s removal:
On April 15, 2012, during the height of the protests, the Orlando Sentinel reported, “They [the CRS] helped set up a meeting between the local NAACP and elected officials that led to the temporary resignation of police Chief Bill Lee according to Turner Clayton, Seminole County chapter president of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People.” The paper quoted the Rev. Valarie Houston, pastor of Allen Chapel AME Church, a focal point for protestors, as saying “They were there for us,” after a March 20 meeting with CRS agents.
Separately, in response to a Florida Sunshine Law request to the City of Sanford, Judicial Watch also obtained an audio recording of a “community meeting” held at Second Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church in Sanford on April 19, 2012. The meeting, which led to the ouster of Sanford’s Police Chief Bill Lee, was scheduled after a group of college students calling themselves the “Dream Defenders” barricaded the entrance to the police department demanding Lee be fired. According to the Orlando Sentinel, DOJ employees with the CRS had arranged a 40-mile police escort for the students from Daytona Beach to Sanford.
“These documents detail the extraordinary intervention by the Justice Department in the pressure campaign leading to the prosecution of George Zimmerman,” said Judicial Watch President Tom Fitton. “My guess is that most Americans would rightly object to taxpayers paying government employees to help organize racially-charged demonstrations.”
Many have attempted to make this case all about race and to this day the media continues its racial bias (emphasis added):
“Martin was black and Zimmerman identifies himself as Hispanic.”
It’s atrocious.
The potential fallout from the case is very dismaying. Riots are expected following an innocent verdict:
On Monday, the Broward County Sheriff’s Office released a video calling on the public not to riot in the wake of the George Zimmerman verdict, expected this week or next in Florida. The Sheriff’s Office released a statement explaining that it was “working closely with the Sanford Police Department and other local law enforcement agencies” to coordinate “a response plan in anticipation of the verdict.”
Twitter is abundant with promises of riots:
Kyle 80Proof Golden @ayo80proof
Random… If George Zimmerman is acquitted.. I’m Gonna Start A Riot…
Sandpaper #Grit220 @oljames88
I hope America knows if Zimmerman is found not guilty … some city is going to RIOT!
and worse
Obama, Holder not interested.
Former Chief Lee says that the investigation was hijacked from his department because someone wanted Zimmerman charged:
(CNN) — The George Zimmerman investigation was hijacked “in a number of ways” by outside forces, said the former police chief of Sanford, Florida.
Bill Lee, who testified Monday in Zimmerman’s second-degree murder trial, told CNN’s George Howell in an exclusive interview that he felt pressure from city officials to arrest Zimmerman to placate the public rather than as a matter of justice.
“It was (relayed) to me that they just wanted an arrest. They didn’t care if it got dismissed later,” he said. “You don’t do that.”
When Sanford police arrived on the scene on February 26, 2012, after Zimmerman fatally shot unarmed 17-year-old Trayvon Martin, they conducted a “sound” investigation, and the evidence provided no probable cause to arrest Zimmerman at the scene, he said.
and Lee said this:
It was a matter of protocol, Lee said. Arresting Zimmerman based on the evidence at hand would have been a violation of Zimmerman’s Fourth Amendment rights, he said. Thus, the Sanford police presented a “capias request” to the state’s attorney, asking that the prosecutor determine whether it was a “justifiable homicide,” issue a warrant for arrest or present the case to a grand jury.
“The police department needed to do a job, and there was some influence — outside influence and inside influence — that forced a change in the course of the normal criminal justice process,” Lee said. “With all the influence and the protests and petitions for an arrest, you still have to uphold your oath.”
And there’s a thought I cannot get out of my head- if George Zimmerman is found innocent, will Obama and Holder, with his minions at the Department of Injustice who terminated a slam dunk case voter intimidation case for political reasons, try Zimmerman on a trumped-up civil rights charge in an effort to nail Zimmerman for something? It seems obvious that Obama and Holder want a pound of flesh.
Eric Holder was all over this case early:
But late Monday, the Department of Justice said it had opened an inquiry into the shooting. It will run parallel with one announced on Tuesday by the state attorney in Seminole County, who said a grand jury would be convened. State attorneys use grand juries in cases when they cannot make a clear independent call, or when a case is explosive.
And Holder has referred to it in speeches:
“This (violence) is an issue that has — rightly — garnered significant national attention in recent months, as our nation has struggled to make sense of the tragic shooting death of a Florida teenager named Trayvon Martin,” the Attorney General told a crowd of NAACP members. “As this case moves through the legal system, Justice Department officials will continue to communicate closely with state and local authorities to ensure that community concerns are heard, tensions are alleviated, and — as with every investigation at every level — appropriate actions are guided by the facts and the law.”
Obama was quick to politicize the Martin shooting and Holder was equally quick to insert the Department of Injustice into the event, but there are other deaths in which neither Obama nor Holder has any interest. You haven’t even heard of Jacob Chellew:
MABLETON, Ga. – Cobb County police hope to catch the hit-and-run driver who fatally struck 36-year-old Joshua Heath Chellew of Mableton as he walked along Mableton Parkway early Sunday.
It happened just after 1 a.m. Sunday, near Factory Shoals Road and Mableton Parkway. Cobb County police dispatched officers to the 6200 block of Mableton Parkway in response to a call concerning a person hit by a car.
It turns out that Chellew was murdered, not by the driver of the car, but by four “youths.”
MABLETON, Ga. – Cobb County police have arrested four alleged gang members linked to a fatal hit-and-run crash on Mableton Parkway.
The suspects are accused of beating the victim and then forcing him into the path of a car.
The fatal crash happened just after 1 a.m. Sunday, near Factory Shoals Road and Mableton Parkway. Joshua Heath Chellew, 36, of Mableton was struck by a vehicle and later died.
Authorities said Chellew did not know his attackers. A friend of Chellew said that the two had gone to a gas station when several men jumped Chellew.
“They started punching him. They starting beating on him,” said the woman, who asked not to be identified.
Arrest warrants said that the Chellew attempted to escape his attackers by backing into Mableton Parkway. Chellew was then knocked down onto the roadway, where he was struck by the vehicle.
It was a heinous murder. Why is it notable?
Jacob Chellew
His alleged killers?
In Chellew’s death there is no interest from the FBI or the Department of Injustice, or the media.
Of course, while the mainstream press seems to be consumed with the possibility of racism as a motivating factor in the killing of Trayvon Martin, there has been no coverage of this crime by the national media.
In fact, one local paper, The Marietta Daily Journal only reported Chellew’s death as a “hit-and-run,” failing to even mention the mob attack that caused the fatal accident.
Here’s another
Mobile, AL – On Saturday night, Matthew Owens told a group of kids to stop playing in the middle of street, only to have them return with a group of adults who dished out a beating that landed him in the Intensive Care Unit, according to police.
Police say that the group of 20 assailants used chairs, pipes and paint cans to waylay Owens on his own front porch.
The victim’s sister, Ashley Parker, told News 5: “It was the scariest thing I have ever witnessed.” She said the attackers used “brass buckles, paint cans and anything they could get their hands on.”
Parker added that as her brother lie on the ground bleeding, one of the assailants looked back and shouted: “Now that’s justice for Trayvon!”
It turns out that this is quite common:
-Also in April, police in the Chicago suburb of Maywood arrested 18-year-old Alton L. Hayes III, after he and a juvenile accomplice allegedly attacked and robbed a man. Hayes has admitted to the crime and told police he committed the brutal assault because he was angry over the Trayvon Martin case, Cook County State’s Attorney’s office spokeswoman Tandra Simonton told the Sun-Times.
Hayes and a 15-year-old Chicago boy grabbed the 19-year-old victim, pinning his arms to his sides. Hayes then threatened to hit the man with a tree branch and said, “empty your pockets, white boy,” said police.
After going through the man’s pockets they knocked him to the ground, punching the victim in the head “numerous times” before fleeing the scene, according to court documents.
Both Hayes and his co-defendant are black. Hayes was charged with attempted robbery, aggravated battery and a hate crime.
Someone was even thoughtful enough to video the incident
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GlprKFftUe4[/youtube]
Judicial Watch noted something from a report by the Bureau of Justice Statistics:
“Here are more unsettling statistics buried in the DOJ’s new crime report; there has been a large increase in the rate of violent victimizations for whites. Hispanics and younger people. That means white non-Hispanics and Hispanics experienced an increase in violent victimization rates, while the rate for black non-Hispanics was stable.”
Why is there no interest by Obama, Holder or the media? It’s pretty obvious. If you don’t look like you could be Obama’s son or you’re not one of “Holder’s people” you’re screwed. This administration is interested in the civil rights of only some people.
Being found innocent may not the end of the nightmare for George Zimmerman. It may only be the beginning.
Update
As noted , there is something afoot in the Zimmerman trial. The judge apparently senses that the defense made its case and wants George Zimmerman to put his head in the noose.
Is someone pressuring her?
DrJohn has been a health care professional for more than 40 years. In addition to clinical practice he has done extensive research and has published widely with over 70 original articles and abstracts in the peer-reviewed literature. DrJohn is well known in his field and has lectured on every continent except for Antarctica. He has been married to the same wonderful lady for over 45 years and has three kids- two sons, both of whom are attorneys and one daughter who is in the field of education.
DrJohn was brought up with the concept that one can do well if one is prepared to work hard but nothing in life is guaranteed.
Except for liberals being foolish.
@Tom:
Rao? There is no one with two grey cells bumping together than thinks she was a good witness for the defense.
Then there’s this:
Channel 4’s learned that Rao actually has a history of complaints dating back 10 years, while she was Medical Examiner for Citrus, Hernando, Lake, Marion and Sumter counties. Dr. Rao was the Medical Examiner there from 2000 to 2003.
Channel 4 uncovered the minutes from the Medical Examiner’s Commission meeting on May 15, 2003, that revealed concerns about Rao from funeral homes, organ donor organizations and law enforcement agencies.
In the minutes officers expressed disapproval of Dr. Rao’s “propensity to classify virtually all prison deaths as homicides, and lack of expertise by office personnel in the management of crime scene investigations.”
http://www.news4jax.com/news/more-complaints-on-jacksonville-medical-examiner-dr-valerie-rao/-/475880/20640256/-/rurvpcz/-/index.html
It is the responsibility of the ME to make sure that all evidence from a crime scene is preserved. You know, simple stuff like preserving the DNA on clothing, which was destroyed when Trayvon Martin’s clothing was placed in an improper bag, and bagging the hands of the deceased to maintain any DNA evidence that might be present, which was not done.
Now, I asked you for medical expertise, which a detective certainly isn’t, and no where can you provide any medical expert that will make the claim that there will be no future medical problems due to head trauma. If you think you can, find them. Or maybe you should just talk to the doctors that are treating former NFL players.
No, it is not against the law to walk outside. It is also NOT against the law to follow someone. Provide me with the prosecution testimony that shows “following” is illegal in the State of Florida.
Unfortunately for you, the dictionary is not admissible evidence in a court of law. Only state statute is. Your argument, as usual, is weak. I can just see you in a trial setting, Tom, addressing a jury; “You see, ladies and gentlemen, the defendant was stalking and here is what the Merriam dictionary says about that.” You would be laughed out of the court room.
Tom
GEORGE ZIMMERMAN did not appoint himself, he was willing to help when ask,
you like to twist the facts like the PROSECUTORS WHO HAD NOTHING TO FIND.
SHAME ON YOU.
People have died from as little as ONE blow to the head……
Bees 52.. TOM is a LIB.. it’s always SOME ONE ELSE’S fault, when one of THEIRS screws up….
@Greg:
Were you there that night? Perhaps you can offer proof of exactly what “business” Trayvon Martin was going about?
Unarmed? Certainly not. Trayvon Martin was armed with the weapons that he was quite familiar with; his fists. And he used them. And if you think fists are not considered a weapon, I suggest you research FBI murder stats where “fists” are listed as a cause of murder, hence making them a weapon.
RETIRE05
THAT’S WHY SHE COULD NOT LOOK AT THE LAWYER IN THE FACE,
now I know why I thought she stink,
@retire05, #55:
An where were you?
What happens to all of that “innocent until proven guilty” attitude I’ve seen so much of around here, the moment focus shifts to the shooting victim? Suddenly a presumption is being made that the person in question is guilty as hell. Of something other than being there dead on the sidewalk, still wearing his headphones and having a dangerous packet of Skittles in his pocket, surely. ..
@Greg:
Since I was obviously not in Florida, or at the scene of the crime, it is immaterial where I was.
It still exists. That is why the burden of proof of a crime being committed is up to the prosecution. Now, perhaps you can show me where Bernie de La Rionda, and the rest of the prosecution team, proved,
that George Zimmerman is guilty of Murder 2?
You still want to portray Trayvon Martin as some angelic child who could not have possibly thrown the first blow. You see, you want to ignore Florida law; the law that says it is not the why blows were thrown, but who threw the first blow, that is responsible for a physical confrontation.
Answer these questions:
do you believe that Trayvon Martin had plenty of time to get to Brandi Green’s townhome where he could have called 911 and reported that he was being followed by someone?
do you think George Zimmerman shot Trayvon Martin BEFORE he was punched in the face by Trayvon?
do you believe that Trayvon Martin was on top of George Zimmerman, throwing blows MMA style?
do you believe that a man almost 30, considered clinically obese, is any match for a well-muscled 17 year old man?
do you believe that having your head bashed into a concrete sidewalk would cause you to believe that you were in physical harm’s way?
@retire05:
And that’s what I gave you. The woman is a Doctor and the medical examiner for three counties. It’s not my problem that you don’t like her testimony, therefore your tiresome mental script forces you to dismiss her credentials. Next time, if you don’t want me to produce the sworn testimony of a medical expert, don’t ask for it.
To say you’re not keeping up would be a vast understatement. Nowhere have I opined that following someone is illegal. I’m merely countering your bizarre observation that TM’s death is his fault because he was taking a walk. It’s my opinion that if we’re going to assign moral responsibility for what happened that evening, GZ has a heavy load to carry.
LOL! What the hell are you talking about?! I didn’t realize that I was a sworn witness in the George Zimmerman trial. Here I was thinking I was just posting my thoughts and opinions on a message board, but apparently everything I write is governed by FL state statute! You’re not going to come arrest me for perjury, are you?
@retire05:
Do fists kill people?
@Greg:
It’s possible he was carrying one of those tricked-out packs that delivers an automatic burst of fruit flavor. They are illegal, but easy to procure at candy shows.
@Tom:
According to the FBI they do since they are listed as murder weapons along with rifles, hand guns, etc..
Tom
yes you are arrested, don’t pass go and stop directly to prison,
@Tom:
If we are going to assign moral responsibility, should that responsibility not be assigned to the person that started the physical confrontation to begin with, consistent with the law? Or do we just ignore Florida law?
No, but arguing that GZ is guilty of “stalking” due to a dictionary explanation, is pure stupidity. Fortunately, you are safe from being arrested. One cannot be arrested simply because they are stupid.
@retire05, #58:
Not under Florida law. There’s a dead kid on the sidewalk, and a man who has admittedly shot him with a gun. When you’re making an affirmative defense case in a Florida courtroom—which is what Zimmerman’s attorneys are doing—the burden of proving self defense falls on the defense.
This isn’t a case where the question is whether the defendant is innocent or guilt of shooting someone. It’s already known for a fact that he shot someone—which, as a general rule, the law disapproves of. The question is whether or not that act can be justified. There’s no legal presumption that you’re justified in shooting and killing another person unless it can be proven otherwise.
Just consider how bizarre the legal system would be if there were. Prisons would be letting out empty rooms for rent, and the bodies would be piling up like cordwood.
@Greg:
Geeze, Greggie, how lame brained can you be?
Not
The burden of proof lies with the prosecution, who brought the charges to begin with. You have it exactly backwards. The prosecution, not the defense, brings the charges, then has to prove their claims in a court of law. It is up to the defense to show where the prosecution is wrong. If it were not for claims by the prosecution, there would be no need for defense, now would there be?
But there is legal presumption that you have the right to defend yourself against harm or perceived harm.
And it is up to the PROSECUTION to prove that you were NOT justified in killing another person.
Now,
Answer these questions:
do you believe that Trayvon Martin had plenty of time to get to Brandi Green’s townhome where he could have called 911 and reported that he was being followed by someone?
do you think George Zimmerman shot Trayvon Martin BEFORE he was punched in the face by Trayvon?
do you believe that Trayvon Martin was on top of George Zimmerman, throwing blows MMA style?
do you believe that a man almost 30, considered clinically obese, is any match for a well-muscled 17 year old man?
do you believe that having your head bashed into a concrete sidewalk would cause you to believe that you were in physical harm’s way?
@retire05, #66:
I’m afraid that’s just not how affirmative defense actually works under Florida law. Don’t take my word for it. Here’s an explanation copied directly from a Florida criminal law defense firm’s website:
Zimmerman committed the act. That isn’t disputed. If he wishes to avoid criminal liability, he must justify the act. He’s claiming self defense. It’s therefore up to the defense to present sufficient evidence to prove self defense to the jury. The defense has the burden of proof.
@Greg:
If the burden of proof is on the defense, then why is the prosecution allowed to present their case FIRST before the jury? The prosecution brings its case first because it is saying “The defendant did this and this is the reason they are guilty of violating the law.” Why not just let the defense go first claiming affirmative defense, proving why they should not be found guilty (mitigating circumstances) and let the prosecution say, “no, no, no, that’s not correct and here’s why?”
You don’t even understand what you are reading.
Now, answer my questions (while I suspect you will dodge them like you consistently do)
The prosecution presents their case first simply because they’re laying out the assertions and evidence which the defense will need to respond to. How would the defense know what assertions and evidence they have to discredit in the eyes of the jury, otherwise?
I think I’ve got a pretty good understanding of what the defense attorneys at the page I linked are saying. They make it all quite clear. Anyone who doesn’t grasp who has the legal burden of proof will likely misunderstand what’s been happening in the courtroom.
We were discussing who has the burden of proof to establish self defense. That would be the lawyers representing George Zimmerman. In the context of that discussion, I’m afraid your questions are the diversion. For most of them, all I could have are opinions. If the jury behaves properly, they will attend to established facts and leave opinions out of it.
@Greg:
How so? I asked them a number of entries ago.
That is what a decision of the jury is, Greggie; their “opinion” on the facts of the case.
I understand you are trying to dodge but……………..
Answer these questions:
do you believe that Trayvon Martin had plenty of time to get to Brandi Green’s townhome where he could have called 911 and reported that he was being followed by someone?
do you think George Zimmerman shot Trayvon Martin BEFORE he was punched in the face by Trayvon?
do you believe that Trayvon Martin was on top of George Zimmerman, throwing blows MMA style?
do you believe that a man almost 30, considered clinically obese, is any match for a well-muscled 17 year old man?
do you believe that having your head bashed into a concrete sidewalk would cause you to believe that you were in physical harm’s way?
Damn Greg, how DUMB are you?? it’s ALWAYS been the STATES job, to carry the BURDEN of PROOF, and DEFENSE ALWAYS goes LAST,to REBUT any Prosecutors claims. You talk LOTS, but seem to know VERY LITTLE… this is BASIC LAW PRIMER stuff. SHEESH!!
@retire05. #70:
Kindly read the last 2 sentences in item #69 again.
Let’s talk for a moment about the CRIME..GZ and TM MIND-SET the alternatives and the out come..THE CRIME…GZ being SUCKER-PUNCHED…recieving PUNCH’S in BUNCH’S, a FEW head slam’s to the CONCRETE (which in some cases can cause death or permanent BRAIN-DAMAGE) all of this in a mila-second after recieving the SUCKER-PUNCH…”DOWN GOES ZIMMERMAN” and just maybe…before GZ hits the ground…TM is on top of him (we have a witness) with nothing but EVIL ENTENTE…I believe at this point “IF” GZ went unconscious…he might have recieved a killing blow OR recieved a punch or two and a few kicks to the face and body by TM before TM decided that he could go home and tell his friends how I just kicked the CRAP out of some “CRACKER”….
Here was TM’s (2) choices before the CRIME…continue going home with a SKIDDLES & ICE TEA or (MIND SET) confront this guy (I’m BIGGER)…SUCKER PUNCH him and then I’ll kick the crap out of this little fat guy..
Bad choice TM…
I heard last night that GZ had his gun drawn…REALLY ??…GZ get’s out of the vehicle..draws his weapon and in short order is confronting or being confronted by TM…SUCKER PUNCHED…no GUN SHOT…on the ground and recieving punch’s in bunch’s, head being slammed to the concrete…screams for HELP and then a gun shot…
prosecution wants to know why the screaming stopped….”The beating stopped” A-Holes !!!! Once again TM had two choices…continue going home or STAND AND FIGHT….they want to take about MIND-SET….thier lawyers not SHRINK’S….GZ acted in fear for his life..SOMEONE PAINT ANOTHER PICTURE IF I’M WRONG !!!!
@Greg:
In other words, once again, you refuse to answer questions that you would obviously have trouble spinning.
Got it.
@Hankster58, #71:
I’m not the one having difficulty understanding what the Florida criminal defense attorneys’ website says about affirmative defenses. Really, they aren’t just making this stuff up. Allow me to summarize:
Under Florida law, if you affirm that you committed the act, but want to escape punishment for it, you must establish that you committed the act for a good reason.
Self defense is a good reason—provided you can convince the court that it was self defense. If that’s what you’re claiming, that’s what you hire a criminal defense lawyer to prove.
What do people think has been going on in the courtroom all this past week?
@retire05:
Oh, I thought only “people kill people”.
That’s funny. I don’t remember writing that GZ was legally guilty of stalking. Do you enjoy arguing against invented strawmen? By the way, if your deer hunting friend tells you he ‘stalked’ a buck this morning, do you get out the Florida penal code and start grilling him, then call him a liar? Apparently the word “stalk” doesn’t exist outside Florida.
@Greg:
an affirmative defense is any matter that avoids the action and that, under applicable law, the plaintiff is not bound to prove initially but the defendant must affirmatively establish. Langford v. McCormick, 552 So.2d 964, 967 (Fla. 1st DCA 1989).
http://floridalegalwiki.com/index.php?title=Affirmative_Defense
The plaintiff (prosecution) is not bound to prove initially.
Let that sink in, Greggie.
jerseyflash
hi, where where you all this time,
yes you got it round up close pretty true to the case, I ‘m sure of it.
by the way did you ever found out what happen to OLD TROOPER?
SINCE THE LAST TIME WE TALK ABOUT IT.
The more I learn about this jury the more I worry they will send Zimmerman to prison for at least a while.
Corey’s girl, the judge, will make sure it is long enough to satisfy the bloodlust of the blacks.
Of course Zimmerman might be murdered behind bars.
But Obama will come out looking like a rose, and isn’t that all that matters?
This has been a political show trial as much as sending the creator of the video blamed for Benghazi behind bars.
@Tom:
No? How about this declarative statement you made?
You didn’t say Zimmerman was accused of stalking, or the claim had been made he was stalking, you said WHEN a grown man stalks. Now are you going to say that was not an accusation of guilt on your part? Really? And you expect others to buy that b/s?
Nan G
I feel your sadness also,
and I’M so scare that you might be correct like always,
hope this one become a mistake from you.
bye
@Tom:
People kill people, using weapons such as guns, hatchets, knives, baseball bats, vehicles, and fists.
@retire05:
so guns kill people?
@retire05:
Again I fail to see where I wrote anything about his being legally guilty of anything. He could be found not-guilty by this jury and it won’t change one iota the fact your hero is a dumb ass whose careless and irresponsible actions caused the death of TM. Being found guilty of a homicide or manslaughter and and being responsible for someone’s death are two completely different things, by the way, in case you haven’t figured that out yet.
@Tom:
What do you not understand about
People kill people, using weapons
@Tom:
Re-read your own declarative statement.
So you are privy to what the determination of this jury will be? There is still the option of “not guilty” due to self-defense.
Where did I ever say GZ was my hero? Frankly, I find him a tragic figure, a man who proves no good deed (trying to protect his neighborhood) goes unpunished.
You say that based on your assumption that a person has no right to kill another, even if in self-defense. And the question is not is GM responsible for TM’s death; the question is is he guilty of Murder 2 or manslaughter according to the laws of Florida? Being responsible for someone’s death and being guilty of murder/manslaughter is two different things.
@retire05, #77:
Mr. Zimmerman would be the defendant. He must affirmatively establish his assertion of self defense—which means, he must prove it.
The plaintiff (prosecution) is not bound to prove initially. Which means that to go to trial, the state needs only to assert its charges. What the state considers to be proof is presented at the trial.
Your link, however, isn’t really something too much time should be spent on, because the page pertains to Florida civil cases as opposed to Florida criminal cases. Note that all of the affirmative defenses listed pertain to civil actions. Self defense isn’t even listed.
@Greg:
And you obtained your law degree where?
I doubt you have a penny to float.
And you’ll answer my questions when? Or are you afraid to answer them?
I don’t need a law degree to understand what’s plainly stated.
Regarding the other questions, I’ve already expressed my opinions about what I think happened. Other people have differing opinions. Endless argument about them is pointless. I’ll accept the verdict that the jury decides on.
I dislike the Florida laws that come into play. They don’t give a court sufficient leeway, in my opinion. Conservatives have pushed through a stand-your-ground law that falsely gives people the impression that they can shoot when it seems reasonable to them, and not have too much trouble justifying what they’ve done.
They’ve also left sentencing rules on the books that send people convicted of manslaughter to prison for periods that you’d normally expect for murder convictions, if a gun happens to be involved in the act.
As I commented elsewhere, the Florida legislature has essentially set George Zimmerman up for unfair sentencing, if he happens to be convicted of manslaughter. The court should have more leeway to make the punishment fit the crime, taking all circumstances and uncertainties into account.
NOT GUILTY.
It’s pretty obvious to thinking people that Zimmerman is a liar and guilty. That being said, this is Florida and anything goes in that racist state.
If he’s freed, there will surely be riots and more shootings of innocent kids will happen under this lame stand your ground law.
The decision of the jury is good enough for me. I’m glad that what was mentioned in #89 won’t be turning into an issue.
NOT GUILTY!!! Liberals may go now and pout and cry…..
@retire05: 80… that’s called WEASELING and CRAWFISHING!! LOL!!
@Greg: Good on you Greg
@This one:
Yeah, because burning down your own neighborhood is what intelligent, civilized people do.
And Stand Your Ground is not causing the deaths of all those black children in Chicago.
And the losing team rushes to the TV cameras.
The Marsha Clark/Chris Darden School For Prosecutors is alive and well.
@retire05, #97:
They were certainly more gracious in defeat than Don West is in victory. Not to mention more responsible, considering how high feelings might be running in some areas.
@Greg:
A man’s life has been destroyed all to serve the Great Poverty Pimp god. How would you act if you were his attorney knowing that the prosecution withheld discovery until a month ago and actually deleted text messages from Trayvon Martin’s cell phone?
@Greg:
When you have to pander to the masses to prevent the masses from rioting/burning down their own neighborhoods, what does that say about the masses?