Powergamz1 -> RE: Zimmerman III - Should the jury have a manslaughter option (7/12/2013 9:46:02 AM)
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Back on topic, I see no problem with the jury getting an option for manslaughter. I would hate for them to use it to avoid making any difficult decisions, but it they truly believe that the prosecution proved it beyond a reasonable doubt, but didn't prove the elements of Murder2, it should be there. Whether the prosecution proved much of anything beyond a reasonable doubt, is of course, the bigger question. quote:
ORIGINAL: Phydeaux quote:
ORIGINAL: Marini quote:
What I find lacking, again and again, among the "Zimmerman did nothing wrong" crowd, is any empathy whatsoever for the victim, and the circumstances he found himself in, prior to jumping the creepy ass cracker who was stalking him. There doesn't seem to be any comprehension that this young man had every right to wander around, and take his time getting back from the store, and that in a "stand your ground" culture he should not have been expected to just run home when some pervert kept staring at him. We will hear that Zimmerman was neighborhood watch, to justify the stalking, but few acknowledgements that neighborhood watch are not supposed to be armed in the first place. I don't think either of the players that night were perfect little angels, or despicable demons. Bad shit happened that night, and bad choices Zimmerman made led to it. Manslaughter/negligent homicide seems to me to most appropriate charge in the case, and I think that option should be there for the jury. Great post Rich. Funny how the Zimmerman "supporters" don't bother to chat about how confrontational Zimmerman was that evening. Would Zimmerman have been doing his "neighborhood watch" following and chasing people unarmed? If I decide to go out and follow random people, to "protect my neighborhood" and I have a weapon on me, it appears pre-meditated to me. Speaking only for myself, thats because the the topic of this thread is whether the jury should have the optiion of considering manslaughter. "should" is a question of logic or fact. Discussions of "do you feel sorry for travon" belong in a different thread. But even here, I have said that I am sorry that Travon died. I am sorry that he made poor choices. It would have been smarter for zimmerman to be deferntial. But thats not the question asked. Should the jury have the right to consider manslaughter? Then, it devolved into - is zimmerman innocent or guilty of the crime. Where do you attribute guilt? I don't find the case against Z overcomes the legal defense of self defense. Do I wish that T had grown up, had a productive life. Yes. Is it a shame - yes. Am I sorry for his mom - heartbroken. It is a tragedy. And I wish that on no one. But ask that question - and you'll get that answer = )
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