Zimmerman Trial: Tired of media bias? See gun-friendly legal coverage

[BenL]

Which is not justice, only someone trying to save their ego

That's all this ever was.

 

[Les Gawlik]

I've read the prosecution is going to have their closing argument today while the defense's will be tomorrow, followed by the prosecution's rebuttal. Is this normal? This seems like the prosecution gets an unfair advantage of both having their closing statement and then another shot to poke holes in the defense's statement.

That's the way it is in allcivil and criminal trials. The party with the burden of proof, in this case the state, has the right to open and close.

 

[jvegas]

That's the way it is in allcivil and criminal trials. The party with the burden of proof, in this case the state, has the right to open and close.

yep. the state always get a chance to redirect/rebuttal.

 

[Jim Sr]

The prosecutor is trying to have zimmerman charged with Child Abuse (3rd degree murder)?!?!?

Q: How many prosecuting attorneys are working the Zimmerman trial?

A: One too many. The older woman in the black robe needs to go.

 

[Abuck]

Wow, she just ruled AGAINST adding 3rd degree, with child abuse. Who would have thunk it?

Happy to finally see her rule against the prosecution.

 

[henn5849]

Yeah. No 3rd degree allowed.

 

[HeatSeeker]

Based on the lack of evidence of 2nd degree murder, this case should have never gone to trial. It is such a joke that the prosecution is now trying to get the judge to allow the jury to consider 3rd degree murder, which would be linked to child abuse. Thats right, child abuse. The defense objected and the judge will rule on it later. They should not even be able to consider manslaughter. It is so obvious that they just want Zimmerman convicted of something. The defense argued that the jury should have to decide between 2nd degree or not guilty because that is what the state charged him with and that is what the state should have to prove. Since they did not prove that they just want to have as many options as they can so the jury can convict him of something....anything. It is pathetic that a man may go to jail for defending himself. If Zimmerman is convicted based on what the state presented against him it will just show how flawed our system really is..

 

[EL1227]

That was close ...

Yeah. No 3rd degree allowed.

LegalInsurrection.com -
Breaking: Charge on Murder 3/Child Abuse is denied by Judge Nelson

She initially gave defense until 1PM to 'research' this outlandish charge by the prosecution, and was leaning towards instructing the jury to consider it.

What a bunch of dirtbags.

 

[6 ft. Leprechaun]

That's the way it is in allcivil and criminal trials. The party with the burden of proof, in this case the state, has the right to open and close.

Didn't know that. Thanks.

 

[HeatSeeker]

Q: How many prosecuting attorneys are working the Zimmerman trial?

A: One too many. The older woman in the black robe needs to go.

I could not believe how she grilled him about weather or not he would take the stand. Do judges usually speak directly to a defendant about that while basically ignoring their lawyers objections? I don't know if that was in front of the jury, but if it was that was just wrong. If the defense does not call the defendant, does that not satisfy the judge/court that he will not testify, without actually having to ask him?

 

[henn5849]

It's nice to see George's parents in the courtroom supporting him. Lame they were sequestered.

 

[MJD438]

I could not believe how she grilled him about weather or not he would take the stand. Do judges usually speak directly to a defendant about that while basically ignoring their lawyers objections? I don't know if that was in front of the jury, but if it was that was just wrong. If the defense does not call the defendant, does that not satisfy the judge/court that he will not testify, without actually having to ask him?

As a layman, I can understand asking him once. Asking him multiple times just reeks of judicial activism (attempting to coerce him to testify from the bench - which is why my non-lawyer backside believes West objected after the second time she asked the question).

 

[MDFF2008]

They have to make sure he doesn't try to file an appeal for being denied a chance to speak.

 

[HeatSeeker]

As a layman, I can understand asking him once. Asking him multiple times just reeks of judicial activism (attempting to coerce him to testify from the bench - which is why my non-lawyer backside believes West objected after the second time she asked the question).

It was almost like she was badgering him as to why he would not take the stand to defend himself.

 

[MJD438]

They have to make sure he doesn't try to file an appeal for being denied a chance to speak.

To me, that is satisfied with one round of q&a. Anything else smacks of badgering, IMO.

 

[henn5849]

As a layman, I can understand asking him once. Asking him multiple times just reeks of judicial activism (attempting to coerce him to testify from the bench - which is why my non-lawyer backside believes West objected after the second time she asked the question).

IMO. She should have waited until the defense rested. Then Mr West wouldn't have objected.

 

[jvegas]

I could not believe how she grilled him about weather or not he would take the stand. Do judges usually speak directly to a defendant about that while basically ignoring their lawyers objections? I don't know if that was in front of the jury, but if it was that was just wrong. If the defense does not call the defendant, does that not satisfy the judge/court that he will not testify, without actually having to ask him?

i have never seen a murder trial where the judge questioned the defendant like that. he will get an appeal off of that alone.

 

[MJD438]

IMO. She should have waited until the defense rested. Then Mr Rest wouldn't have objected.

I can understand it happening before "rest", as that stops the direct witness time period, I would bet. It was the multiple, and forceful pressuring manner of questioning that has me asking the questions in my head. IANAL, but that was frustrating to watch/understand.

 

[HeatSeeker]

i have never seen a murder trial where the judge questioned the defendant like that. he will get an appeal off of that alone.

I was thinking the same thing.

Did she do that in front of the jury?

 

[EL1227]

They have to make sure he doesn't try to file an appeal for being denied a chance to speak.

I hear ya, but ...

Her repeated question should go down in history with MS Windows messages that pop-up over and over again ...

I'm surprised that she didn't make him swear on a Bible.