Except that he can’t even be arrested. A small detail, Counselor, I know.
If the judge issues a warrant, based on probable cause that he did not act in self defence, he can be arrested. The reason for taking it to a judge, rather than the police making that decision, is that the police are covered if he is not charged or convicted,
Correct. And if the judge, magistrate, or the grand jury, finds probable cause, then the police are covered as far as making the arrest. But Florida criminal procedure now require that the trial judge assess probable cause before trial in any event – that is, even if the prosecution was commenced by indictment, the judge must treat the raising of self-defense as a motion to dismiss, because Florida law makes a person who lawfully uses force in self-defense immune from prosecution.
Under normal self-defense rules, this would be an affirmative defense at trial. Now it still is, but before trial even starts the judge must decide if the prosecution can proceed, based on probable cause for the force alone.
Don’t see how there can be any doubt about Zimmerman’s concern with self-defense, since he carried a nine millimeter weapon when he stepped out of his car. Unless, of course, he called for a “time out” while Martin was sitting on top of him slamming his head into the sidewalk, so he could go and fetch the gun. Maybe that accounts for that discrepancy right there! When he got up from the sidewalk to get his gun, he stanched his head wounds and changed clothes, fetched his gun and then resumed the position, but this time over on the grass. Very sportsman-like of Martin, to be fair to the drugged hoodie thug.
What, not plausible? Well, perhaps not, but possible! It could have happened, there is no evidence that it didn’t happen! No sworn testimony, or anything!
I’ve read this eight times now and still have no idea of what position you are urging the reader adopt. I get that you want the reader to believe you are so witty and urbane your sarcasm fairly leaps off the page… but beyond loads of skepticism, I can’t tell if your sarcasm is aimed at the story, the laws, the mandated procedure, or any and all of the above.
Pretend you’re talking to someone who doesn’t always understand the cartoons in the New Yorker.
Zimm got gun. Zimm bring gun. Then Zimm say gun for self-defense? Me no like.
No, you didn’t. I’ve told you a million times, Counselor, don’t exaggerate!
Gotcha!!
Well, that’s kind of a key point. Obviously it’s possible to bring a gun to an encounter and still legitimately use it in self-defense.
But it’s obviously also possible to point out that perhaps Zimmerman’s … eagerness… to initiate this encounter can be a clue to deciding which participant kicked the confrontation into an illegal use of force first.
Your dislike is irrelevant. He was perfectly entitled to carry a gun for the purpose of defending himself, and if his story is true that’s what he used it for.
If his story is not true, and he didn’t carry the gun for self defence, he should be punished. Your dislike of his right to self defence is still irrelevant, however.
True, but it should be noted that thusfar no witness has come forward to claim they heard Zimmerman exclaim “MY GOD, HE’S COMING RIGHT FOR ME!” before firing, as the rules of self-defense dictate.
nitpick: “En garde!” is also acceptable.
Just like a lawyer, brings an épée to a Kel Tec PF-9 fight.
Touché!
“He looks suspicious… Italian grip or something…”
Have there been any new developments? So far nothing has happened to change my mind - I still think Zimmerman is gulily as hell.
His guilt or innocence notwithstanding, BOY does his new website suck.
Can’t even get on it, it needs more bandwidth!
Also, breaking news, GZ’s lawyers have quit as his counsel, citing inability to reach him.
One thing that does make me glad a little bit, I’m watching the news conference right now, and the lawyers have said that GZ wants to talk to the prosecutors and tell them his version. Hopefully that’ll trip him up and blow holes in his story
New website, Zimmy missing… think he’s riding a lightcycle in the mainframe somewhere?
Geez, yog, seems as if you want GZ to burn whether he’s guilty of anything or not. Way to revel in your ignorance.
The grand jury has been called off. That’s new.