George Zimmerman posted a $1 million bond, and walked out of jail this afternoon.
According to The Orlando Sentinel:
Zimmerman posted the $1 million bond thanks in part to the $20,000 in donations raised since Thursday when Circuit Judge Kenneth Lester Jr. set the bond amount.
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Comments
Huh. So certain old racists had their hair on fire over nothing? Again…???
If that harpy monster of a prosecutor has her way, he will be spending the rest of his life in prison. Hopefully the jury selected has more common sense than a couple of the commentators here.
Oh, I agree! You must feel humbled by your lack of faith in our system. SooKay. We live and learn…
I want George Zimmerman to get a fair trial. I recognize his life is in dire jeopardy due to political backlash. You seem gleeful of him getting prosecuted. Like it is all one big game. It is really quite sick.
You seem a bit hysterical. Zimmerman is in the system, and I have reason to believe in our system and our people. Not a blind faith, but an informed confidence. So far, it has not shown to be displaced.
The fact he is being prosecuted for 2nd degree murder sort of puts the kibosh on the “justice system.” Even when acquitted and freed, he’s lost months or years of his life, undergone extreme stress, lost his job, and been made a target for all sorts of violent crazies.
All true.
…Zimmerman is in the system, and I have reason to believe in our system…
I have one question for you: Have you, personally, ever been “in the system?”
I, too, have faith in “our system” when it operates fairly and the benefit of doubt is distinctly afforded the accused until proven otherwise. I’ve been in the system and experienced both the good and the bad. I am very curious how you arrive at your certainty … and how you presume others are “hysterical” if they doubt anything? There are people whose lives are effectively ruined just by being brought “in to the system” with all that actually incurs for some one. Try Googling “Sargeant Nazario” for an example. He was indicted on hearsay, literally, alone.
That was much like me saying to law enforcement in your town that I saw you rob the local 7-11, and without further ado, they arrest you. That would be absurd, of course, just as the Zimmerman prosecution is absurd. Dragging someone in to “the system” as de rigueur process does not protect anyone, let alone the rights of an accused per se.
Several things…
I was sent to jail for contempt of court prior to my decision to go to law school. I was standing on a right I thought I had…and damned if I wasn’t right. I still sat in jail to get to that determination. The State Bar Of Texas looked me over VERY closely, too, on account of that.
I have also had a family member “in the system” on both ends. I have a brother who was a cop. I also have a relative who went to prison. I could tell you stories.
I have a prejudice against prosecutors, bankers and insurance companies. But I know that is a prejudice. One of the best, most honorable men I know is a banker. I know my prejudices from rational thinking.
I’m not “certain” of anything WRT the law. I am before judges on a regular basis who will not apply the rules and the law. I’m the guy who keeps saying that using the term “justice” in connection with our legal system is stupid. It is a LEGAL system, designed by people, staffed by people, and full of problems. But, as Milton Friedman taught me, “You have to compare something with something”.
People ARE hysterical over this case. How many of them have ever written a single word about all the other cases presenting all the same factual elements? They are…to my old, hard head…a great deal like the people who show up with stuffed animals and candles to create shrines to some poor kid who FAMOUSLY got slaughtered by some monster, but who live day-to-day in complete bliss when there are thousands they never see on TV.
Many here are only involved because of THEIR emotions whipped up in the media frenzy surrounding this case. Just like the other end of the spectrum.
I feel empathy for MANY people in our criminal legal system, and I know there are thousands of people who make plea bargains they should not, simply because they do the calculus of the accused and see it as the least costly way to go.
With Prof. Reynolds, I think that over-charging as a practice is wrong. But it is within the accepted norms for prosecutors. OK. We need to change that, but it is schizophrenic to talk about giving people a power within their scope of office, and forming a lynch mob when you take (very selective) exception to them using that power.
As I’ve said before, I might very well dislike Ms. Corey if I knew her. But she has an office, and she is working within it. I have no evidence she has done anything not according to that office, except for her crazy threats against some of her critics.
Conversely, remove Corey and you still have people who will call everybody in the Florida legal system everything but a child of god. Who excuse anything Zimmerman does, and call him a hero. This is, of course, CRAZY.
I have the temerity to say THAT IS CRAZY. I even enjoy it.
Really, you should try it with me.
Many here are only involved because of THEIR emotions whipped up in the media frenzy surrounding this case. Just like the other end of the spectrum.
No argument there, attention was drawn to it before the frenzy developed. Almost all of that initial frenzy instigation turned out to be wrong or intentionally doctored/fraudulent. That said, why does it take multiple layers of prosecutors to determine a charge once found unworthy by the first prosecutor given the actual known facts, evidence, and merits of the case? I have no doubt that if acquitted, Zimmerman will be again prosecuted on some civil rights basis by the federal system.
I understand that you are a lawyer who sees the “system” as the swimming pool that it is, polluted or otherwise, it is what we have, etc. It is also your business to see it that way, although I agree calling most of it “Justice” is misnomer. It is “the system” we have, meat grinder that it is at times.
Just so I’m clear about it … I am a retired “fed” and military person who grew increasingly annoyed, then defiantly concerned, about the rule making and political nature of “enforcement” I witnessed. Rules & regulations now have the force of law, even if they do not minutely represent an iota of the foundation legislation, and once charged you are guilty until you can prove your innocence. That is bass-akwards, of course, but it is “our system” these days.
I envision the criminal system as becoming more and more one of rules than law, where the “process” of prosecution, even when spurious, must be carried out …it is our system, after all, “process” now supersedes “product” in importance.
I find that condition unacceptable. It can bite you back, as well, as the fumbling prosecution of OJ Simpson rather clearly pointed out…going off track got him off, guilty or innocent, it was the “process” that insured the outcome. I recall it well as I was the only person in the room who thought he’d be found not-guilty when the determination was read on TV in front of a couple dozen of us. I was also the only white person in that room. Everyone else was stunned. I wasn’t pleased, but my guess had been right … overreaching and silly proprietorial & judicial antics got him off. Simple as that.
Now an ordinary guy, like Zimmerman, does not have the star power of an “OJ” so his justice will be less spectacular. Hell of system we have let evolve, eh?
Dang … spell check got me again: “proprietorial” was supposed to be “prosecutorial.”
You said: . I am before judges on a regular basis who will not apply the rules and the law.
Definitely no argument from me on that issue. Frankly, I am not sure I understand how you deal with that, and I know my temperament would not enable me to do so. So, my hat’s off to you on that one. I’ve known some fine judges who actually strove to be “just” and managed to be so.
We don’t want to get in to the other kind of judge and how they get on the bench …I doubt the Professor has the band width for the conversation that would engender.
I am a pretty fair historian, dog. There was never an American nirvana of law over process, in your terms. As I’ve pointed out in the last few days, Wyatt Earp had to answer to legal charges for the killings at the O.K. Coral. His defense was “self-defense”, too.
Again, compare the system with something real. Like Thomas More, I think the law is a bastion more than a threat. I could have been an outlaw. I chose to be an in-law, like Levin, Jacobson, Reynolds, etc.
Like our political system, you have the power to change it, or to throw it down. What would you replace it with?
**I have no doubt that if acquitted, Zimmerman will be again prosecuted on some civil rights basis by the federal system.**
I can’t think of any that would pose any threat, if that is any comfort to you. There isn’t a Federal code that could be applied to these facts.
Even a civil suit under the several causes of action I can think MIGHT apply would be hard to win on these facts, including premises liability.
It is pretty clear that this judge has prejudiced the defendant’s ability to even get a bond. What bondsman is going to risk $900k on somebody the court has “found” to be a flight risk?—JackedRacist, June 6th.
And yet…the very same day…
Some people never tire of being wrong, ya know.
Huh! After watching that video, I’m surprised that the cops didn’t tag him with a major parking violation as the security folks who picked him up had parked his ride in a handicapped zone.
Mayhaps the judge will use that as an excuse to throw him back in the hoosegow tomorrow; can’t have folks out on bail be acting in such total disregard of the law, doacha know. 🙁
GZ should do whatever he can to enjoy every day between now and when the jury verdict comes in.
LOTS of ground to cover between now and then. Quite possible there will be no trial.
To quote myseff…
Ragspierre | June 24, 2012 at 4:22 pm
Coupla very quick points that occur…
1. IF I got back a high-dose positive on DXM, I’d LEAN on Corey to dismiss immediately… Heh.
2. One cause of fatty deposits on the liver is Corticosteroid use. I know next to nuthin’ about steroid abuse, but, given the “fight club” video, I’d damn sure want a blood test to look for any sign of that, maybe showing “roid rage”.
3. The “fight club” thingy is a lot more promising, I think, as a defense show-and-tell. SOME evidentiary challenges, but readily overcome with some detective work.
———————————————-
Certain old cows need to eat some crow…
Do cows eat crow?
I thought they were vegetarians 🙂
Actually cows eat micro-organisms, so are pretty much omnivores.
Betta be on guard of your straw
argumenthat and what’s under it when you’re near the barn.Recent “discovery” (uneducated country folk have known this for a long time, but they didn’t have degrees, so they don’t count): most “vegetarian” animals will eat animal protein. Deer have been seen eating birds out of a mist net, eggs and nestlings out of groundbird nests, and fish. Sheep have been seen eating fish and grouse chicks. The Mongol horses were able to perform those incredible feats of stamina by being fed meat. Several other examples, so I fully expect cows are also omnivores, given a chance (pinkies and nestlings) or no other choice.
Not to drive this into the dirt (heaven forbid!), but cows can’t any more digest grass than you or I.
All ruminants are fermentation machines. They just provide grass (or forage) for their passengers (micro-flora), who CAN digest it. Cows digest the micro-organisms in their intestines.
Jury verdict? I dunno – at this point I’d ask for a bench trial. Sure, he antagonized this Judge, but on the apparent facts, why waste the time and risk adverse jury error?
It is as hard to be a good winner as a good loser.
Not naming names, of course…..
See, icono? I am going to get rat-piled on any Zimmerman thread, so I might as well play with some of these people!
Some of them really cannot abide anyone who will not join the mob. You saw it yourself.
Mr Ragspierre Sir: What you say ; on display , every day.
Rags: Translation . . .l agree with what you say.
Well, as I was taught at military academy—if they can’t take it, f**k ’em. I was just yankin your chain a bit. Always entertaining.
Alan Derchowitz, Alan Derchowitz, hello Zimmerman needs you.
Just curious…when was Deshowitz right about anything concerning this case (beyond reporting Corey’s crazy call to Harvard)?
Hopefully Dershowitz was right when he called the arrest warrant “Irresponsible And Unethical”.
Nope. Not according to the Florida Criminal Procedure, and the lack of any issue raised by anybody in the Florida criminal bar.
Big noise. No stroke.
your “opinion” has been duly noted and discarded. I expect you aren’t more successful in practice?
Show me wrong, don’t just try to insult me with stupid barbs.
Put up a link to someone agreeing with the Dersh who practices criminal law in Florida.
Or answer as to why, if the charging instrument is an affront to Florida law, no writ of mandamus has been filed by the defense?
As I was drinking my coffee and smoking my (too early) morning cigar, Frank, I did your research for you.
This is called “intellectual honesty”, btw.
Still have not found anyone who backs the Dersh, but I did find this rather well written little piece by a 2nd year law student.
Don’t pan the author, just find something here you can factually refute. I know you can’t, but DO try…
If you find yourself feeling all da ja vue-ish, it is because I’ve pointed out the same stuff. Factually.
Forgot the link.
http://viewfromll2.com/2012/04/29/why-alan-dershowitz-is-completely-wrong-about-the-zimmerman-case/
In the comments you’ll find this link, to a Florida criminal attorney who does criticize the charging instrument. For what it’s worth…
http://www.southfloridacriminallawyersblog.com/2012/04/probable-cause-affidavit-in-george-zimmerman-case-woefully-inadequate.html
What time today did Zimmerman get out? He’s outside in my driveway waving a gun around, asking my mailman what the hell he’s doing in the neighborhood.
Even a sarc tag would not help here. A lot of these people simply have no sense of humor…or sense…on this topic.
Reread your post and tell us if you see the irony.
Disregard. Right words, wrong thread. Too much coffee or not enough whiskey. Still undecided. I’m gonna hurt somebody one day with my wild cut and pasting.
Am I the only one that thinks that the requirement that he never leave Seminole County is reckless endangerment of Zimmerman’s life?
Zimmerman’s lawyers are fighting the reside in Seminole County condition. Obviously, limiting his residency choices is dangerous but I think Zimmerman’s lawyers are not aggressive enough in his defense
The system felt compelled by circumstances to enter into the realm of sideshow long ago. With that , justice became secondary. Hopefully the Jury will work thru the culture clutter & deliver justice. Smarter men in former times put them there for that purpose. As per your question Professor? l dont know enough to have an informed opinion.
It’s a little late for “justice” to be delivered to George Zimmerman.
Where does he go to get back the weeks of his life spent sitting in jail? Who will return his formerly sterling reputation? How much peace will he have if by some miracle a “not guilty” verdict is returned?
“Justice” took a hike in this case loooong ago.
and what are the odds that Trayvon’s parents will have their choice of lawyers offering to take white man George to civil court, to get whatever remains of GZ’s fund?
Call for opinion: Zimmerman at this point even if the charges were dropped tomorrow is out a bare minimum of $110k from non-refundable deposits to the bail bondsperson.
Do you think the Judge’s intent with this amount of bail was to cause GZ to have to pay out $100k. i.e. if an alternative bondsperson were to have offered a 5% deposit instead of 10%, do you think the Judge would have raised bail to 2mil? or 4mil with a 2.5% deposit, and so forth….
You asked, so…”silly idea” is my opinion.
A bond could be posted by someone for free. It is not inherently the case that a bond cost anything. (Historically, an “attorney bond” was often accepted by courts, which was essentially the promise of the attorney his client would appear, as required.)
The bond set is not punitive, and is bound by a lot of law. Read judge Lester’s ruling for an example.
Wow – How to lose 50 lbs in 50 days . George is going for the Peruvian Jaguar look . All he needs now is a few Cougars on the Jury & He is Home.
Grrrrrhhh. Ooooh aaah . Do it again George. Grrrhhhhhh.
Isn’t that video done by the same people who “creatively” edited that 911 audio to imply raaaaacism…….unintentionally, of course!! /sarc
So, why would anyone expect them to be unbiased, fair, or impartial in any way now?!?
Which reminds me: Has Big Al Sharpton (you know, that anti-semitic, Tawana Brawley-defending guy) said anything about Zimmerman of late? I haven’t heard anything out of him at all lately……
Refreshing. 🙂
Saw a blurb about him yesterday, but really…who cares? They guy is evil.
Glad to see you legal Beagles policing up this thread. I fully appreciate your knowledge and remarks. That being said, one of my favorite sayings about life in general is, do not confuse justice with the law.