Zimmerman trial: Potential jurors polled on guns, crime

[We Keep Receipts 9,238]

And what? Stnad your ground really has no application when you are on your back having your head smashed on the sidewalk.

Now it is basically a question of whether he could reasonably assume he was in danger of severe bodily injury, thus justifying the use of deadly force.

Actually it does. Because that was his initial argument. He killed TM and claimed SYG, which allowed him to avoid being arrested. But do you know why he changed his defense? Because it's clear that he would have to go on the stand and explain what happened that night. And it would be very hard to say you were standing your ground when you could have avoided the entire situation, but chose to engage in a confrontation that was caused soley by your actions alone.

[Dan and Judy 614]

Actually it does. Because that was his initial argument. He killed TM and claimed SYG, which allowed him to avoid being arrested. But do you know why he changed his defense? Because it's clear that he would have to go on the stand and explain what happened that night. And it would be very hard to say you were standing your ground when you could have avoided the entire situation, but chose to engage in a confrontation that was caused soley by your actions alone.

Did he say SYG was his defense or was there just a lot of speculation in the media that he would?

[We Keep Receipts 9,238]

I can do things without carrying a gun. I choose not to. I live in one of the safest cities in America, currently not even on the list, and have never been beaten up and never had to fight back. I have never had to run or stand my ground. I fired hundreds of guns. I am perfectly satisfied with my convictions and decisions to date re: being a man. We all can carry guns here.

GZ is being held responsible for his actions under our system. That is why we have the trial.

In the end, the only thing that matters is that ALL 6 women jurors have to agree that he violated the "stand your ground" law existing at that time and the law regarding the use of deadly force. The rest is not for us to decide anyway.

Your city is safe not because of guns, but because you have a lower rate of poverty in Vermont. http://quickfacts.census.gov/qfd/states/50000.html

If your theory is true, that more guns=less crime, then tell me, why do countries like Japan, who have the most strict gun control laws in recent history have less than 2 gun control deaths a year?

[lostinblue 1,989]

There is evidence that Martin was atop Zimmerman beating him–both eye witness and circumstantial.The head wounds on Zimmerman seem to indicate his head was slammed several times at a hard object. Only one blow to the head could cause death. All the physical evidence supports Zimmerman being on his back, so leaving was not an option.

776.012 Use of force in defense of person.—
A person is justified in using force, except deadly force, against another when and to the extent that the person reasonably believes that such conduct is necessary to defend himself or herself or another against the other’s imminent use of unlawful force. However, a person is justified in the use of deadly force and does not have a duty to retreat if:
 (1)He or she reasonably believes that such force is necessary to prevent imminent death or great bodily harm to himself or herself or another or to prevent the imminent commission of a forcible felony. (Short version)

[We Keep Receipts 9,238]

Did he say SYG was his defense or was there just a lot of speculation in the media that he would?

Police released Mr. Zimmerman without charges after the volunteer neighborhood watchman shot 17-year-old Trayvon Martin just over a year ago. Sanford, Fla., police cited Florida's landmark 2005 “stand your ground law,” which nullifies any imperative for a potential crime victim to try to escape or retreat before using deadly force against an attacker.

Zimmerman waived his right to the SYG trial earlier this year. This is because it would be impossible to say he was standing his ground when he could have avoided the situation completely by staying in his car and letting the police do their job. His life wasn't in danger UNTIL he got out of his car and started chasing him on foot.

[lostinblue 1,989]

Actually it does. Because that was his initial argument. He killed TM and claimed SYG, which allowed him to avoid being arrested. But do you know why he changed his defense? Because it's clear that he would have to go on the stand and explain what happened that night. And it would be very hard to say you were standing your ground when you could have avoided the entire situation, but chose to engage in a confrontation that was caused soley by your actions alone.

Travon was within a few hundred yards of home. If he went home he would be alive today. He could have avoided the situation.

[decocker 7,198]

trayvon martin was within a few hundred yards from home. if zimmerman hadn't been hunting him like an animal, trayvon might have made it.

[We Keep Receipts 9,238]

Travon was within a few hundred yards of home. If he went home he would be alive today. He could have avoided the situation.

Why are you hell bent on pinning this on the one being chased? Not the guy doing the chasing?

[decocker 7,198]

Why are you hell bent on pinning this on the one being chased? Not the guy doing the chasing?

it's called "surveillance" martin. don't make gz sound so aggressive..

[JohnR! 5,495]

There is evidence that Martin was atop Zimmerman beating him–both eye witness and circumstantial.The head wounds on Zimmerman seem to indicate his head was slammed several times at a hard object. Only one blow to the head could cause death. All the physical evidence supports Zimmerman being on his back, so leaving was not an option.

776.012 Use of force in defense of person.—

A person is justified in using force, except deadly force, against another when and to the extent that the person reasonably believes that such conduct is necessary to defend himself or herself or another against the other’s imminent use of unlawful force. However, a person is justified in the use of deadly force and does not have a duty to retreat if:

 (1)He or she reasonably believes that such force is necessary to prevent imminent death or great bodily harm to himself or herself or another or to prevent the imminent commission of a forcible felony. (Short version)

As would anyone who would approach me with a gun if I were walking around on my own neighborhood. You would find yourself with your back firmly pressed against the ground, with me on top. Guaranteed.

If you can't stand your ground on your own, chances are you should not be carrying a gun. You should leave that to the grown ups.

[I AM NOT THAT GUY 5,715]

Why are you hell bent on pinning this on the one being chased? Not the guy doing the chasing?

Because Trayvon was black, and it was payback time for all the blacks burglarizing the neighborhood. It is in the 911 transcripts.

[SMOKE 1,426]

Because Trayvon was black, and it was payback time for all the blacks burglarizing the neighborhood. It is in the 911 transcripts.

yes. it has nothing to do with TM attacking & beating GZ.

[We Keep Receipts 9,238]

Because Trayvon was black, and it was payback time for all the blacks burglarizing the neighborhood. It is in the 911 transcripts.

Oh, that's right. These ***holes always get away, and these ******* punks.

[I AM NOT THAT GUY 5,715]

yes. it has nothing to do with TM attacking & beating GZ.

If you chase down a bear, wouldn't you expect to get mauled?

[lostinblue 1,989]

As would anyone who would approach me with a gun if I were walking around on my own neighborhood. You would find yourself with your back firmly pressed against the ground, with me on top. Guaranteed.

If you can't stand your ground on your own, chances are you should not be carrying a gun. You should leave that to the grown ups.

Please post your link that shows George was walking around with his gun drawn. I missed that one.