# State of Florida vs. George Zimmerman Trial Thread **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [June 20, 2013, 8:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/state-of-florida-vs-george-zimmerman-trial-thread/661501 "2013-06-20T20:32:41Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 50
**Author:** ![DragonAsh](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/db5fbb/32.png) [@DragonAsh](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DragonAsh)\ **Post date:** [July 5, 2013, 6:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/state-of-florida-vs-george-zimmerman-trial-thread/661501/981 "2013-07-05T18:18:56Z")
Jesus, I had forgotten about the molestation accusation by Zimmerman’s cousin. Sorry George, forget any book/movie deal when this is over unless you want charges that you molested your cousin for 10 years all over the news again. ---
**Author:** ![Honesty](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/f04885/32.png) [@Honesty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Honesty)\ **Post date:** [July 5, 2013, 6:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/state-of-florida-vs-george-zimmerman-trial-thread/661501/982 "2013-07-05T18:19:37Z")
By the way, his mother did a phenomenal job. Anyone who looks at that woman’s face and thinks she’s in it “for the money” or some “fame” is autistic. - Honesty ---
**Author:** ![RyJae](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/9d8465/32.png) [@RyJae](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RyJae)\ **Post date:** [July 5, 2013, 6:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/state-of-florida-vs-george-zimmerman-trial-thread/661501/983 "2013-07-05T18:22:16Z")
> [@Honesty](#): > > By the way, his mother did a phenomenal job. Anyone who looks at that woman’s face and thinks she’s in it “for the money” or some “fame” is autistic. > > - Honesty Yeah anyone who believes she isn’t in it for the money is a retarded spazz. ---
**Author:** ![What\_the](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/f4b2a3/32.png) [@What\_the](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/What_the)\ **Post date:** [July 5, 2013, 6:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/state-of-florida-vs-george-zimmerman-trial-thread/661501/984 "2013-07-05T18:24:59Z")
> [@Terr](#): > > As Bricker said in another thread, and as I have seen mentioned in other places - she doesn’t have to give reasons. Is there a “legitimate” reason for that scenario to play out then? ---
**Author:** ![Honesty](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/f04885/32.png) [@Honesty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Honesty)\ **Post date:** [July 5, 2013, 6:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/state-of-florida-vs-george-zimmerman-trial-thread/661501/985 "2013-07-05T18:31:05Z")
… ---
**Author:** ![Terr](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/839c29/32.png) [@Terr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Terr)\ **Post date:** [July 5, 2013, 6:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/state-of-florida-vs-george-zimmerman-trial-thread/661501/986 "2013-07-05T18:43:18Z")
… and the train wreck continues. Medical Examiner on direct told prosecutor that Martin could not move after he was shot. On cross, first says Martin could move “a little”. Then admits that no one knows whether Martin could move or not. This is of course after his direct and cross completely demolishes prosecution’s opening statement’s contention that Zimmerman “pushed the gun into Martin’s chest” then fired. Wow. It almost makes you sorry for the prosecutors. Almost - if they were not trying to railroad someone into a loooong prison sentence. ---
**Author:** ![Drunky\_Smurf](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/drunky_smurf/32/449_2.png) [@Drunky\_Smurf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Drunky_Smurf)\ **Post date:** [July 5, 2013, 6:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/state-of-florida-vs-george-zimmerman-trial-thread/661501/987 "2013-07-05T18:44:18Z")
The mother is obviously only in it for the money. ---
**Author:** ![UltraVires](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/u/ecccb3/32.png) [@UltraVires](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/UltraVires)\ **Post date:** [July 5, 2013, 6:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/state-of-florida-vs-george-zimmerman-trial-thread/661501/988 "2013-07-05T18:46:43Z")
> [@Terr](#): > > … and the train wreck continues. Medical Examiner on direct told prosecutor that Martin could not move after he was shot. On cross, first says Martin could move “a little”. Then admits that no one knows whether Martin could move or not. > > This is of course after his direct and cross completely demolishes prosecution’s opening statement’s contention that Zimmerman “pushed the gun” into Martin then fired. I’m missing something here. Why does whether Martin moved after the shot have to do with whether Z “pressed” the gun into him? ---
**Author:** ![Human\_Action](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/ac91a4/32.png) [@Human\_Action](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Human_Action)\ **Post date:** [July 5, 2013, 6:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/state-of-florida-vs-george-zimmerman-trial-thread/661501/989 "2013-07-05T18:47:42Z")
> [@Terr](#): > > … and the train wreck continues. Medical Examiner on direct told prosecutor that Martin could not move after he was shot. On cross, first says Martin could move “a little”. Then admits that no one knows whether Martin could move or not. > > This is of course after his direct and cross completely demolishes prosecution’s opening statement’s contention that Zimmerman “pushed the gun into Martin’s chest” then fired. > > Wow. It almost makes you sorry for the prosecutors. Almost - if they were not trying to railroad someone into a loooong prison sentence. Well, there goes the contentions that a) Martin’s hands being under his body proves that Zimmerman lied about moving his hands out, and b) where Martin’s body was found is precisely where he fell when shot, which proves the fight wasn’t where Zimmerman said it was. ---
**Author:** ![CarnalK](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/carnalk/32/486_2.png) [@CarnalK](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CarnalK)\ **Post date:** [July 5, 2013, 6:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/state-of-florida-vs-george-zimmerman-trial-thread/661501/990 "2013-07-05T18:49:22Z")
> [@Terr](#): > > Wow. It almost makes you sorry for the prosecutors. Almost - if they were not trying to railroad someone into a loooong prison sentence. Kind of hard to feel sorry for someone getting railroaded, when he stalked and shot a 17 year old. Wonder how the inevitable civil trial will go. ---
**Author:** ![Terr](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/839c29/32.png) [@Terr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Terr)\ **Post date:** [July 5, 2013, 6:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/state-of-florida-vs-george-zimmerman-trial-thread/661501/991 "2013-07-05T18:54:58Z")
> [@What\_the](#): > > Is there a “legitimate” reason for that scenario to play out then? Well, it could be that right after prosecution finishes, and the defense moves for “judgement as a matter of law” the judge is not convinced (yet?) that the prosecution has no case. Then, when the defense finishes, and the defense again moves for the JMOL, the judge would be convinced by their presentation to approve the motion. ---
**Author:** ![Terr](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/839c29/32.png) [@Terr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Terr)\ **Post date:** [July 5, 2013, 6:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/state-of-florida-vs-george-zimmerman-trial-thread/661501/992 "2013-07-05T18:57:18Z")
> [@jtgain](#): > > I’m missing something here. Why does whether Martin moved after the shot have to do with whether Z “pressed” the gun into him? Two separate issues. ---
**Author:** ![Terr](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/839c29/32.png) [@Terr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Terr)\ **Post date:** [July 5, 2013, 6:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/state-of-florida-vs-george-zimmerman-trial-thread/661501/993 "2013-07-05T18:58:27Z")
> [@CarnalK](#): > > Kind of hard to feel sorry for someone getting railroaded, when he stalked and shot a 17 year old. Wonder how the inevitable civil trial will go. The civil trial is not inevitable. Depending on the jury’s decision, Zimmerman may be immune to civil trial. ---
**Author:** ![Bricker](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/977dab/32.png) [@Bricker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bricker)\ **Post date:** [July 5, 2013, 7:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/state-of-florida-vs-george-zimmerman-trial-thread/661501/994 "2013-07-05T19:04:04Z")
> [@jtgain](#): > > IIRC, the gravaman of what made something “testimonial” was that it was prepared in anticipation of future litigation. How is making findings during an autopsy of a 17 year old killed by a gunshot not in preparation for litigation? The coroner must know that his report will be used at trial. Not exactly. When the ME prepared his report, the police had not charged Zimmerman as a suspect. As the Supremes said in Williams v. Illinois: > [@](#): > > The report was produced before any suspect was identified. The report was sought not for the purpose of obtaining evidence to be used against petitioner, who was not even under suspicion at the time, but for the purpose of finding a rapist who was on the loose. And the profile that Cellmark provided was not inherently inculpatory. And frankly, as a practical matter, why would the defense want to get rid of this testimony? Comedy gold, Jerry. ---
**Author:** ![Steophan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/steophan/32/9595_2.png) [@Steophan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Steophan)\ **Post date:** [July 5, 2013, 7:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/state-of-florida-vs-george-zimmerman-trial-thread/661501/995 "2013-07-05T19:08:17Z")
> [@Terr](#): > > The civil trial is not inevitable. Depending on the jury’s decision, Zimmerman may be immune to civil trial. I _think_ there will have to be a separate immunity hearing, such as the one that was mooted prior to the trial. I think the question of why they didn’t go ahead has been clearly answered, as the idea that Zimmerman is guilty is now laughably absurd. But you’re correct that Florida law provides complete immunity from legal action for those who legitimately act in self defence. I’ll be interested to see what compensation Zimmerman gets, and what penalties the various State authorities get, should he obtain immunity. ---
**Author:** ![aceplace57](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aceplace57/32/3500_2.png) [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Post date:** [July 5, 2013, 7:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/state-of-florida-vs-george-zimmerman-trial-thread/661501/996 "2013-07-05T19:08:41Z")
There are times that lawyers get to fixated on the minutia. Like repeatedly hammering away at _“the death could occur within 1 to 10 minute”_ statement the M.E. made. I lost track of how many dozens of times West hammered on that. Dead is dead imho. It doesn’t help us know if Zimmerman defended himself or not. On a human/personal level. I’m sure the parents don’t want to imagine their son suffering for 10 minutes. Meanwhile a reporter in the court tweeted. Sure sounds like a very bored jury to me. > [@](#): > > @KBelichWFTV > > The jurors don’t look impressed or super interested but no expression. Looks like the state could be ready to rest. ---
**Author:** ![Steophan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/steophan/32/9595_2.png) [@Steophan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Steophan)\ **Post date:** [July 5, 2013, 7:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/state-of-florida-vs-george-zimmerman-trial-thread/661501/997 "2013-07-05T19:10:22Z")
> [@aceplace57](#): > > It doesn’t help us know if Zimmerman defended himself or not. No, but it removes another of the pretend “lies” Zimmerman is supposed to have told, increasing his credibility, and hence the likelihood that the jury will believe that he defended himself. ---
**Author:** ![DragonAsh](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/db5fbb/32.png) [@DragonAsh](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DragonAsh)\ **Post date:** [July 5, 2013, 7:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/state-of-florida-vs-george-zimmerman-trial-thread/661501/998 "2013-07-05T19:16:32Z")
Sounds like the prosecution is going to rest without calling a witness to help connect the dots for the jury. What a disaster of case. ---
**Author:** ![UltraVires](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/u/ecccb3/32.png) [@UltraVires](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/UltraVires)\ **Post date:** [July 5, 2013, 7:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/state-of-florida-vs-george-zimmerman-trial-thread/661501/999 "2013-07-05T19:18:29Z")
> [@Steophan](#): > > No, but it removes another of the pretend “lies” Zimmerman is supposed to have told, increasing his credibility, and hence the likelihood that the jury will believe that he defended himself. What is the largest supposed lie that Z has been caught in? All of the inconsistencies I’ve seen are in the “He said it was green, but it was really chartreuse” variety. ---
**Author:** ![Bricker](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/977dab/32.png) [@Bricker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bricker)\ **Post date:** [July 5, 2013, 7:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/state-of-florida-vs-george-zimmerman-trial-thread/661501/1000 "2013-07-05T19:18:40Z")
John Guy’s opening statement: gun was pressed against Martin’s chest. Dr. Bao’s testimony today: gun did not contact Martin’s skin. This is like Fantasy Island for defense lawyers. Mr. Rourke must have appeared and said that O’Mara requested just one trial where the prosecution would fumble every witness. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/state-of-florida-vs-george-zimmerman-trial-thread/661501.md?page=49) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/state-of-florida-vs-george-zimmerman-trial-thread/661501.md?page=51)