Motivated reasoning has been at the core of this case from the start. Evidence must be located, not created, and opinions not backed by evidence cannot be given much weight. But this display of motivated reasoning has distracted us from the bigger picture: it puts the focus on Zimmerman, when we should be focused on the law.
Yet Zimmerman is only one part of the system that failed Trayvon Martin. But the jury found no compelling evidence that he did not act in accordance with the law. While civil rights advocates and demonstrators demanded Zimmerman be charged, defenders of liberal gun laws came to his defense, saying Zimmerman was being persecuted for exercising his Second Amendment right to bear arms.
Zimmerman, who suffered several head injuries, told police immediately after the shooting he had called for help but no one responded. The screams end upon the sound of a gunshot, and the case might hinge on whom the six-woman jury believes was calling for help. Curiously, the defense opted against introducing evidence that Martin had a trace amount of marijuana in his system at the time of his death, after fighting hard for the right to admit it.
Defense attorney Don West declined to say why. The shooting in the central Florida town sparked protests and controversy throughout much of last year as it raised questions about racial profiling, guns and bias in U. The Sanford Police Department has put measures in place ahead of the verdict, although Chief Cecil Smith said he is not expecting any violence or even the kind of protests that broke out in Sanford last year and soon spread across the country.
Key moments in the Zimmerman trial — Jeantel testifies on Wednesday, June She was the last person to speak with Martin on the phone. Key moments in the Zimmerman trial — Zimmerman walks past Martin's parents, Sybrina Fulton, left, and Tracy Martin, second from left, as he enters the courtroom after lunch recess on June Key moments in the Zimmerman trial — Diana Smith of the Sanford Police Department on Tuesday, June 25, shows the jury a bag of Skittles that was collected as evidence at the crime scene.
Martin was said to be carrying the bag of candy and a soft drink at the time of his death. Key moments in the Zimmerman trial — Assistant state attorneys John Guy, left, and Richard Mantei hold up Martin's sweatshirt as evidence during Zimmerman's trial on June After Martin's death, protesters started wearing hoodies in solidarity against racial profiling.
Key moments in the Zimmerman trial — During the trial on June 25, crime scene technician Diana Smith shows the jury a gun that was collected as evidence. Key moments in the Zimmerman trial — Zimmerman laughs with defense attorney Don West during his trial on June Key moments in the Zimmerman trial — Selene Bahadoor enters the courtroom to take the witness stand on June She was the first eyewitness to testify and said the shooting occured right behind her home.
Key moments in the Zimmerman trial — Seminole County dispatcher Sean Noffke testifies on Monday, June 24, about his conversation with Zimmerman on a non-emergency line the night of the shooting. Key moments in the Zimmerman trial — A transcript of Zimmerman's police call on the night of the shooting is projected during opening arguments on June Key moments in the Zimmerman trial — Martin's father, Tracy Martin, cries on June 24 as he listens to the description of his son's death. Key moments in the Zimmerman trial — Prosecutor John Guy gestures during his opening arguments on June His first words to the six-woman jury may have raised a few eyebrows.
Those were his words, not mine. Since they are all on the witness list, the judge ruled they cannot be present in the courtroom until after they testify. Key moments in the Zimmerman trial — Defense attorney Don West displays a photo of Zimmerman from the night of the shooting during his opening arguments on June He opened his statements with a knock-knock joke but failed to win a laugh.
Who's there? George Zimmerman. George Zimmerman who? Good, you're on the jury," he said. Key moments in the Zimmerman trial — A video entered as evidence is displayed on June It shows Martin, right, at a 7-Eleven on the night of his shooting.
Key moments in the Zimmerman trial — From left, Martin's parents, Tracy Martin and Sybrina Fulton, and Benjamin Crump, the family's legal counsel, make a brief statement to the media before jurors heard opening statements on June Key moments in the Zimmerman trial — Zimmerman waits for the start of his trial on June Defense: Prosecution was 'disgraceful' Photos: Photos: Reaction to Zimmerman verdict.
A jury in Florida acquitted Zimmerman of all charges related to the shooting death of Trayvon Martin. View photos of key moments from the trial.
The Rev. Al Sharpton's National Action Network organized the "'Justice for Trayvon' city vigil" which called supporters to gather in front of federal buildings around the country on July 20, as a continued protest against the George Zimmerman verdict. Reaction to Zimmerman verdict — The Rev.
Reaction to Zimmerman verdict — Thousands of people gathered outside the Richard B. Russell Federal Building in downtown Atlanta as part of the network of vigils on July Reaction to Zimmerman verdict — A chalk outline, a bag of Skittles, and a can of iced tea are seen during the vigil outside the E.
Reaction to Zimmerman verdict — Protesters march across the Brooklyn Bridge toward Brooklyn after attending the rally in Manhattan on July Reaction to Zimmerman verdict — Tracy Martin, father of Trayvon Martin, poses for a photo with supporters wearing hoodies at the rally in Miami on July Reaction to Zimmerman verdict — Protesters march through the streets of downtown Los Angeles, on Tuesday, July 16, during a demonstration of the George Zimmerman trial.
Al Sharpton calls for a full federal investigation of the Martin killing, saying mere remarks by President Barack Obama and others weren't enough, outside the U.
Justice Department in Washington on July Reaction to Zimmerman verdict — A passenger takes a picture of protesters as he rides a city bus on July 16 in Los Angeles. Reaction to Zimmerman verdict — A large group of demonstrators march through downtown Atlanta on July 15 during a protest of the acquittal of George Zimmerman.
Anthony Evans, president of the National Black Church Initiative, leads a prayer during a demonstration asking for justice for Trayvon Martin. Reaction to Zimmerman verdict — Residents of Sanford, Florida, attend a prayer vigil to promote peace and unity in their city in the wake of the George Zimmerman trial on July Reaction to Zimmerman verdict — About demonstrators gather during a rally and march in support of Trayvon Martin on July 15 in Birmingham, Alabama.
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