Zimmerman trial starts

[uebermann]

Just leaving this thread open for anything concerning the trial. Prosecution just finished with their opening, defense asked for 15 mins recess to set up AV equipment.

[uebermann]

The prosecution didn't do anything unexpected. They tried to paint Zimmerman as a violent man, that was much larger than Trayvon, that took MMA/Self defense classes for over a year and a half (and should have easily been able to fend off Trayvon), and as a vigilante.

Lots of "heartstrings" being pulled at the mention of the 911 call where the shot was fired (prosecutor was using a very soft voice) and the mention of Skittles. I guess the idea was to paint Trayvon as an innocent kid because he had bought Skittles - as though no one else could buy Skittles or something.

[PoS]

Zimmerman is so fat he'll probably pull a James Gandolfini before the trial ends.

[uebermann]

[Professor]

Smart move on Z's part. Don't remember what he looked like way back when, but he's certainly put on weight. If he can appear as a pudgy, out-of-shape guy, it can only help him.

My prediction? either acquittal (40% chance) or hung jury (60% chance). Just not enough evidence to convict. He might get screwed in a civil trial, though.

[uebermann]

[Professor]

One of the things that was made a big deal of beforehand, and which I'm sure will be made a big deal of in the trial, is the 911 operator telling Z not to follow TM. I just don't get how that has any bearing on the case, other than a marginal aside.

First off, it's not a binding order. It's not the same as a police officer ordering a person behind a crowd control line. I've been advised the same thing by 911 operators (was following a car driven by a guy I suspected of being drunk), but kept following the person so that I could tell her exactly where the person was until the police arrived. They tell you that for your safety, but it's not an order. Was I initiating a situation by following a drunk driver (he was drunk, BTW), or was I simply doing my civic duty?

[uebermann]

Its not a binding order but if he backed off, this likely would not have happened. He instigated the whole thing - Trayvon did nothing wrong for Zimmerman do follow him and think he was a suspicious person.

[uebermann]

Oh man, defense lawyer is sounding awful. A joke? Ugh.

[Winchester]

I'll be curious to see how the "stand your ground law" plays out being Zimmerman was the instigator of the confrontation. Even if Trayvon attacked Zimmerman, could it not be said Trayvon was standing his ground when confronted by an armed older man?