The George Zimmerman trial is underway. This trial, unfortunately, as you probably know, is really about more than just his innocence of guilt. Guns, self-defense and race are hot-button issues underlying this case. This may be the most racially and ideologically polarizing trial since the Rodney King and O.J. Simpson.
The attorneys selected a jury of 6 women. Bad for Zimmerman. In general women are more likely to be anti-gun, anti-self defense and are more likely to sympathize with the teengage victim than are males. On the other hand, these jurors were questioned extensively.
The jury is 5 whites and one black. (Fla. law requires 12 jurors only in capital cases). Bad for the proecution. Black jurors are likely to feel intense social pressure to convict Zimmerman no matter what. Although the juror's identity has not and probably will not be revealed, friends, family, employers and spectators will know or figure out who they are and spread the word. On the other hand, these jurors were questioned extensively.
Although it's too early to tell, the victory may go to the side with the least incompetent attorney. The D.A. used the F-word at least 4 times in his opening statement. Some jurors appeared intitally stunned. The defense attorney managed to botch his opening statement by starting with a joke. Where do they find these people? My prediction--hung jury and re-trial.
Stay tuned.
What do you think of the trial so far? To me, it looks like a train wreck if you happen to be the State. But, Rodney King was about race. OJ was tried in a area where the jury pool have had experienced police misconduct or knew someone who did. Race was marginally a factor, I don't know any progressives that think OJ was innocent. It actually had more to do about money. This one became about race, but is really ideology. They are both really. I honestly think if the races were reversed, and all of the other facts were the same, the propaganda would be different. The right would be claiming that "its open season on whitey" and would be accusing SPD of political correctness. The left would be supporting SYG and the shooter while predicting a Republican rush to repeal SYG and liberalized concealed carry.
ReplyDeleteWhat I find interesting thing is some say that Martin was defending himself because Zimmerman was following him. When asked if I could attack someone following me, it kind of falls silent.
Legal question, now that there was an arrest does that give probable cause for a wrongful death law suit?
http://www.leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?mode=View%20Statutes&SubMenu=1&App_mode=Display_Statute&Search_String=776.032&URL=0700-0799/0776/Sections/0776.032.html
GEJ:
ReplyDeleteThanks for the comment. I think we both agree that the trial is not primarily about Zimmerman's guilt or innocence. A wrongful death lawsuit is independent of the criminal trial and the suit can be brought no matter what happens at trial.