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Originally posted by ANNED
He will beat it.
This is no longer about Justus it now totally about politics. the liberals never did like self defence laws that allowed lethal force.
they also do not like CCW laws that allow a person to carry.
then because it was a member of a minority community that got shot the liberal politician can use that to get votes
The only way the prosecution can win is to cheat, lie, and/or withhold evidence.
Originally posted by atlguy
As much as it sucks to say, Zimmerman was within the LETTER of the law. The argument is going to hinge on "Did you feel your life was threatened?" because that is the only circumstance where you can use your weapon in the "Stand your ground" law. I am sure that in the heat of the moment, when his head was being smashed into the pavement, that he did feel like he was going to die, but a jury may have other opinions.
It doesn't matter that he wasn't supposed to be armed in the course of his "policing". Doesn't matter that the 911 op told him to stay in the car. Doesn't matter that he approached Travon (and I am speculating) first. None of it makes a hill of beans worth of difference in the case. What matters is who touched who first. If it was Travon touching Zimmerman in any way - it will be argued that Zimmerman acted in self-defense. If Zimmerman touched Travon first, then the situation changes somewhat - but doesn't change the fact that Zimmerman can say he was in fear for his life.
That's how the law is written folks - it's pretty clear. In Florida, (and a few other states) if you feel like your life is in danger - you can shoot to kill. It's the ONLY reason Zimmerman wasn't arrested on-site.
The end-result of all of this is going to be a hung-jury with the outcome of Zimmerman walking. Then the riots will start.edit on 4/11/2012 by atlguy because: (no reason given)
Florida
Defenses to Second Degree Murder
In addition to the pretrial defenses and trial defenses that can be raised in any criminal case, specific defenses to the crime of Second Degree Murder are:
Excusable Homicide
The killing of a human being is excusable, and therefore lawful, under any one of the following three circumstances:
When the killing is committed by accident and misfortune in doing any lawful act by lawful means with usual ordinary caution and without any unlawful intent, or
When the killing occurs by accident and misfortune in the heat of passion, upon any sudden and sufficient provocation, or
When the killing is committed by accident and misfortune resulting from a sudden combat, if a dangerous weapon is not used and the killing is not done in a cruel or unusual manner.
Justifiable Homicide
The killing of a human being is justifiable homicide and lawful if done while resisting an attempt by someone to kill you or to commit a felony against you.
Self Defense
Also known as the justified use of deadly force, self defense is a defense to the crime of Second Degree Murder. Please view the Florida Self Defense section for more information.
Originally posted by ButterCookie
WTF????????
I am disgusted...... no words
Originally posted by GmoS719
I'm glad he is being charged with 2nd degree murder.
For everyone saying that he is innocent.
You can't be charged without evidence, obviously there is evidence.
Originally posted by OneisOne
Originally posted by ButterCookie
WTF????????
I am disgusted...... no words
I feel like I just watched a pound of flesh get carved up and served on live stream.
The SP's use of the phrase "precious victims" & the way she opened the press conference made me think she is more worried about media coverage than law.
OiO
Originally posted by AnonymousCitizen
A rhetorical question to ponder...
I believe George Zimmerman is:
a. guilty
b. not guilty
c. maybe we should wait until more facts come out before deciding
Zimmerman charged with second-degree murder
George Zimmerman, a neighborhood watch volunteer who says he was acting in self-defense when he fatally shot teenager Trayvon Martin in Sanford, Florida, has been charged with murder in the second degree, special prosecutor Angela Corey told reporters Wednesday.
Corey said that Zimmerman has surrendered to authorities in Florida and has been arrested.
Police say Zimmerman fatally shot Martin, a 17-year-old African-American, on February 26 in Sanford, Florida, after Martin began walking home from a convenience store. Zimmerman, who is Hispanic and was a neighborhood watch volunteer, had called 911 to complain about a suspicious person in the neighborhood. He was released without charges after claiming self-defense, but the case was referred to a special prosecutor as thousands converged on Sanford to join in protests calling for Zimmerman's arrest.
news.blogs.cnn.com...
Originally posted by pizzanazi75
Originally posted by AwakeinNM
2nd Degree Murder
Now if the prosecutor can get an all-black jury, she'll have a home run and a bright political future.
Second degree murder, seriously? I guess getting physically attacked is no longer a good enough reason to defend yourself. I may not know all the 'facts', but I do know this - the "special prosecutor" filed charges, NOT the police. So the police don't think there is enough evidence but this SP does? I smell political posturing. If this special prosecutor woman doesn't run for office after this, I will eat a baby seal in front of PETA's headquarters.
edit on 11-4-2012 by AwakeinNM because: (no reason given)
Guess you didn't follow the case at all. The lead investigator recommended homicide or manslaughter charges that very night. So you are wrong the police did want to charge him......they were shot down by State Attorney Wolfsinger.
And the SP has already run for office. Her position is elected. She is well respected in FL. I guess you better get ready to eat baby seal in front of PETA.
(2) The unlawful killing of a human being, when perpetrated by any act imminently dangerous to another and evincing a depraved mind regardless of human life, although without any premeditated design to effect the death of any particular individual, is murder in the second degree and constitutes a felony of the first degree, punishable by imprisonment for a term of years not exceeding life or as provided in s. 775.082, s. 775.083, or s. 775.084.
(3) When a person is killed in the perpetration of, or in the attempt to perpetrate, any:
(a) Trafficking offense prohibited by s. 893.135(1),
(b) Arson,
(c) Sexual battery,
(d) Robbery,
(e) Burglary,
(f) Kidnapping,
(g) Escape,
(h) Aggravated child abuse,
(i) Aggravated abuse of an elderly person or disabled adult,
(j) Aircraft piracy,
(k) Unlawful throwing, placing, or discharging of a destructive device or bomb,
(l) Carjacking,
(m) Home-invasion robbery,
(n) Aggravated stalking,
(o) Murder of another human being,
(p) Resisting an officer with violence to his or her person, or
(q) Felony that is an act of terrorism or is in furtherance of an act of terrorism,
by a person other than the person engaged in the perpetration of or in the attempt to perpetrate such felony, the person perpetrating or attempting to perpetrate such felony is guilty of murder in the second degree, which constitutes a felony of the first degree, punishable by imprisonment for a term of years not exceeding life or as provided in s. 775.082, s. 775.083, or s. 775.084.