I'm not predicting that GZ gets convicted, but if he does KSU is going to be glorious.
Yeah, it would be amazing.
Yup, amazing and glorious. I'll probably say something like "well, the jury was the wildcard" just like I already have.
And speaking of empathy, I'm going to revise my prediction. I still think there's zero chance of murder, but I now think there's a maybe 50/50 chance of manslaughter. From a legal standpoint, it would not be justified based on the evidence, and would probably even be tossed on appeal, but I can't rule out the impact of the all woman jury. Women tend to be a bit more favorable in general to prosecution. They're also less likely, or capable, of putting themselves in GZ's shoes during the fight while he's pinned to the ground, instead judging the reasonableness as a more passive observer. Finally, women are more empathetic, and may want to give TM's mom at least something. Not saying it will happen, but I wouldn't be surprised either.
What is the burdon of proof for self defense in Florida? I'm not an attorney and don't want to be one but it seems to me Zimmerman should have to prove he acted in self defense not the other way around. He's admitted to shooting and killing an unarmed minor. For me when something like that happens you throw out the entire innocent until proven guilty bs. My understanding is every state state has differenct self defense laws and Florida tends to be amongst the most lienant.
From my understanding the "stand your ground" law is interpreted pretty liberally in FL.
Stand you ground is not at issue in this case. This is classic self defense. And in answer to the question above, in Florida, the defendant has the initial burden of "producing enough evidence to establish a prima facie case demonstrating the justifiable use of force." This is an extremely low threshhold, and GZ has more than satisfied it. If he does, the court will provide a jury instruction re self defense, and the state has the burden of proving beyond a reasonable doubt that GZ did not act in self defense. I don't think FL law is unique in this regard. The law is substantially the same in Kansas, for example: the state must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant did not act in self defense.
And just FYI, KS and about half of all states have "stand your ground" as part of self-defense, though again, that's not relevant here.
