17y/o Killed By Neighborhood Watch/CHL

[sjfcontrol]

Does anyone know why TM's parents were allowed to stay in the courtroom prior to today, while GZ's parents were not? I thought GZ's parents were not allowed to stay because they were potential witnesses, yet TM's mom went on the stand this morning.

Because the judge allowed Martin's parents in, and denied George's.

[baldeagle]

Does anyone know why TM's parents were allowed to stay in the courtroom prior to today, while GZ's parents were not? I thought GZ's parents were not allowed to stay because they were potential witnesses, yet TM's mom went on the stand this morning.

Because the judge allowed Martin's parents in, and denied George's.

That's not true. The prosecution but Zimmerman's parents on the witness list to deny them access to the courtroom during the trial. It's a a cheap and dirty trick, but the judge had nothing to do with it. Trayvon's parents are allowed in the courtroom, even though they are also on the witness list, because Florida law requires that the parents of a deceased minor be allowed in the courtroom regardless of whether or not they are on either party's witness list. The judge had nothing to do with that. Not that there isn't plenty to criticize this judge for, but this isn't one of the things she can be legitimately criticized for.

[philip964]

Does anyone know why TM's parents were allowed to stay in the courtroom prior to today, while GZ's parents were not? I thought GZ's parents were not allowed to stay because they were potential witnesses, yet TM's mom went on the stand this morning.

Because the judge allowed Martin's parents in, and denied George's.

That's not true. The prosecution but Zimmerman's parents on the witness list to deny them access to the courtroom during the trial. It's a a cheap and dirty trick, but the judge had nothing to do with it. Trayvon's parents are allowed in the courtroom, even though they are also on the witness list, because Florida law requires that the parents of a deceased minor be allowed in the courtroom regardless of whether or not they are on either party's witness list. The judge had nothing to do with that. Not that there isn't plenty to criticize this judge for, but this isn't one of the things she can be legitimately criticized for.

The prosecution put Zimmerman's parents on the witness list, but did not call them. Doh. Forgot.

[C-dub]

Does anyone know why TM's parents were allowed to stay in the courtroom prior to today, while GZ's parents were not? I thought GZ's parents were not allowed to stay because they were potential witnesses, yet TM's mom went on the stand this morning.

Because the judge allowed Martin's parents in, and denied George's.

That's not true. The prosecution but Zimmerman's parents on the witness list to deny them access to the courtroom during the trial. It's a a cheap and dirty trick, but the judge had nothing to do with it. Trayvon's parents are allowed in the courtroom, even though they are also on the witness list, because Florida law requires that the parents of a deceased minor be allowed in the courtroom regardless of whether or not they are on either party's witness list. The judge had nothing to do with that. Not that there isn't plenty to criticize this judge for, but this isn't one of the things she can be legitimately criticized for.

Someone at work said something similar, but couldn't really explain it that well. That's a pretty dumb law.

The defense starts on Monday? Should be interesting. We'll see how much more their hands get tied.

[baldeagle]

Does anyone know why TM's parents were allowed to stay in the courtroom prior to today, while GZ's parents were not? I thought GZ's parents were not allowed to stay because they were potential witnesses, yet TM's mom went on the stand this morning.

Because the judge allowed Martin's parents in, and denied George's.

That's not true. The prosecution but Zimmerman's parents on the witness list to deny them access to the courtroom during the trial. It's a a cheap and dirty trick, but the judge had nothing to do with it. Trayvon's parents are allowed in the courtroom, even though they are also on the witness list, because Florida law requires that the parents of a deceased minor be allowed in the courtroom regardless of whether or not they are on either party's witness list. The judge had nothing to do with that. Not that there isn't plenty to criticize this judge for, but this isn't one of the things she can be legitimately criticized for.

Someone at work said something similar, but couldn't really explain it that well. That's a pretty dumb law.

The defense starts on Monday? Should be interesting. We'll see how much more their hands get tied.

Actually, the defense started today. They called Zimmerman's mother and uncle, both of whom testified that it was George screaming on the 911 tape.

Gladys Zimmerman's testimony was brief and, in my opinion, bore equal weight with Sybrina Fulton's testimony. (She testified that it was Trayvon screaming on the tape.)

[youtube][/youtube]

The real star was Zimmerman's uncle, Jorge Meza. He was a Command Sergeant Major in the US Army, retired after 26 years, and is now a Sherriff's Deputy. You really have to see his testimony to believe it. He testified that he was on the computer, with his back to the TV, when he heard screaming. He instantly turned around and said to his wife, "That's George! What are you watching?" That's when his wife told him it was the news and they were playing the 911 tape of his screaming. On cross he told the prosecutor that he would not compromise his integrity for anyone, even his own son.

[youtube][/youtube]

[youtube][/youtube]

[C-dub]

Go Jorge!

[baldeagle]

The most incredible thing I heard in the courtroom today was during the arguments for the Judicially Ordered Acquittal (which the judge denied perfunctorily.) The prosecution actually argued that shooting someone in the heart demonstrates depraved indifference (one of the required elements for a second degree murder conviction.) I was absolutely stunned. The state is actually arguing that it matters WHERE you shoot someone in self defense! Unbelievable.

[sjfcontrol]

Does anyone know why TM's parents were allowed to stay in the courtroom prior to today, while GZ's parents were not? I thought GZ's parents were not allowed to stay because they were potential witnesses, yet TM's mom went on the stand this morning.

Because the judge allowed Martin's parents in, and denied George's.

That's not true. The prosecution but Zimmerman's parents on the witness list to deny them access to the courtroom during the trial. It's a a cheap and dirty trick, but the judge had nothing to do with it. Trayvon's parents are allowed in the courtroom, even though they are also on the witness list, because Florida law requires that the parents of a deceased minor be allowed in the courtroom regardless of whether or not they are on either party's witness list. The judge had nothing to do with that. Not that there isn't plenty to criticize this judge for, but this isn't one of the things she can be legitimately criticized for.

Ok. I didn't know the whole story, but did hear the first day, the defense trying to convince the judge to allow George's parents, and she refused.

[Cjwglock19]

I've been following this very close and am growing irritated to be honest. If Zimmerman made a mistake, it likely was getting out of his truck when the dispatcher said not to. However, he got out to find the address, not peruse Martin. If Martin was concerned about his well being that a "creepy cracker" was following him he likely would've called home instead of talking to his girl since he was already on his street.

I'm sick I hearing racism!! Martin is the only one who used a racial term calling him a cracker! Was he profiled, sure. Is that racism? I am wearing wranglers, a t shirt, and camo hat, and just took my boots off...if you thought redneck you are racist right? Wrong!!! You profiled a stereotype! Hooded sweatshirt, medallion in neck, baggy ( maybe sagging pants)...I know what I'm thinking...thug or hoodlum!

Either way this goes down it is sad. A man will forever live with taking another's life and a young man will never have a chance to be a man. However, there is lots to blame here and lots of questions. Why won't they admit the evidence of marijuana in martins system? Couldn't drugs have caused his abnormal behavior? Why isn't his past behavior evidence? We know of all of zimmermans calls and education and training and aspirations. Heck zimmermans parent were asked to leave an martins allowed to stay! what is that?

Why are we seeing this case? I guarantee someone what's shot in Killeen last night! Can I expect that trial on tv? Heck Hasans shooting is getting little national attention and it was a terroristic act on US soil!

I'm interested to see how this continues to play out...

[fishman]

Something tells me it's going to be a long weekend! This certainly is not 2nd degree murder, but I feel like George will be railroaded. It just seems like a lot of people are determined to make Z pay for T's death, and make a big example against self defense laws.... and guns. If Z gets off, then the liptards will say he only needed one bullet, not 15. When it comes right down to it, my prediction is, sadly there will be riots. Z will have to move far away and look over his shoulder for the rest of his life.

[baldeagle]

I've been following this very close and am growing irritated to be honest. If Zimmerman made a mistake, it likely was getting out of his truck when the dispatcher said not to.

This is a common misconception promoted by the media. The dispatcher never told Zimmerman not to get out of his truck. After Zimmerman got out of his truck, the dispatcher asked him if he was following the suspect. Zimmerman replied yes, and the dispatcher said, "We don't need you to do that." Zimmerman then said, "OK."

[K.Mooneyham]

Something tells me it's going to be a long weekend! This certainly is not 2nd degree murder, but I feel like George will be railroaded. It just seems like a lot of people are determined to make Z pay for T's death, and make a big example against self defense laws.... and guns. If Z gets off, then the liptards will say he only needed one bullet, not 15. When it comes right down to it, my prediction is, sadly there will be riots. Z will have to move far away and look over his shoulder for the rest of his life.

I've said this before, but if GZ is somehow able to win an acquittal, then the Southwestern USA is the best place for him. No one will give him a second look anywhere from Arizona to Texas. And that would be the best thing for him.

[Valor]

I've been following this very close and am growing irritated to be honest. If Zimmerman made a mistake, it likely was getting out of his truck when the dispatcher said not to.

This is a common misconception promoted by the media. The dispatcher never told Zimmerman not to get out of his truck. After Zimmerman got out of his truck, the dispatcher asked him if he was following the suspect. Zimmerman replied yes, and the dispatcher said, "We don't need you to do that." Zimmerman then said, "OK."

Correct, he was only told his "following" was not needed. Many keep stating he was told not to follow. One is a directive the other is a suggestion. What I do question, if he admits to following, doesn't that contradict Zimmerman statement he got out of the vehicle to get an address?

[RottenApple]

Correct, he was only told his "following" was not needed. Many keep stating he was told not to follow. One is a directive the other is a suggestion. What I do question, if he admits to following, doesn't that contradict Zimmerman statement he got out of the vehicle to get an address?

Another media borne misconception. Zimmerman never said he "got out of the vehicle to get an address". He said he got out of the vehicle to see where the suspicious person (Martin) went after he lost sight of him. When the dispatcher said, "you don't need to do that", Zimmerman said, "ok" and headed back to his vehicle. He was looking for a street sign on the way back when he was confronted by Martin.

[Cjwglock19]

Correct, he was only told his "following" was not needed. Many keep stating he was told not to follow. One is a directive the other is a suggestion. What I do question, if he admits to following, doesn't that contradict Zimmerman statement he got out of the vehicle to get an address?

Another media borne misconception. Zimmerman never said he "got out of the vehicle to get an address". He said he got out of the vehicle to see where the suspicious person (Martin) went after he lost sight of him. When the dispatcher said, "you don't need to do that", Zimmerman said, "ok" and headed back to his vehicle. He was looking for a street sign on the way back when he was confronted by Martin.

When they showed the reenactment with the detective, I thought they had asked him the address and he was unsure and at that point exited, located an address, and hung up, then was confronted, which is why his phone was in his pocket. Please correct me if I'm wrong. I certainly won't take offense.