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Zimmerman Trial Day 12: Live Video, Analysis of Defense’s Case & Witnesses

Zimmerman Trial Day 12: Live Video, Analysis of Defense’s Case & Witnesses

Today we will again be covering the Zimmerman Trial live, all day, with streaming video. Continuing commentary will be posted in the Twitter feed of selected contributors below the first video feed. We have brief summaries of the previous day’s events (including last night’s fireworks!) along links to detailed more posts below the second video feed at the bottom of this post.

Also, a quick note, in thanks to the Professor and all of you I’ve put in place a 10% discount/free shipping coupon for Legal Insurrection followers interested in “The Law of Self Defense, 2nd Edition”–use code LOSD2-LI at checkout.

Live Stream Video

WITH COMMENTARY FROM CHANNEL 9 IN SANFORD

[For live-stream video without commentary, see NBC live feed at bottom of this post.]

Twitter Feed:

(My tweets can be identified as coming from @lawselfdefense, or @lawselfdefense2 if I’m in Twitmo–follow both!.)



Live Stream Video Alternative

LIVE-STREAM WITHOUT COMMENTARY FROM NBC

Wednesday, July 10 Commentary

During the lunch recess, or immediately thereafter, we will TRY to post a mid-day update. We’ll then follow up with the usual detailed end-of-day wrap up, including video and embedded Tweets, at the usual time in the evening.
After the normal trial business yesterday, and after the jury had been dismissed for the day, the Court decided to hear a number of evidentiary matters and proffers. Among these was the animated video prepared by the defense. Another proffer of evidence involving Trayvon Martin’s cell phone led to considerable “fireworks”, with loud accusations and protestations between the State and defense, as well as between the defense and the Court, and ultimately Judge Nelson walking out of the courtroom while the defense was still speaking, and the defense announcing to her back that given the late hour (10:00PM) it seemed unlikely that they would be prepared to continue the next morning as scheduled.

Judge to rule in morning about Trayvon fighting texts after contentious nighttime hearing

Our end-of-day wrap-up and analysis of yesterday focused on the forensic pathology testimony of Dr. Vincent Di Maio, and the announcement by the defense that they expected to rest their case today:

Noted Forensic Pathologist Says Zimmerman Story “Consistent” with Evidence, As Defense Case Nears End

Monday’s end-of-day wrap-up and analysis focused on the collapse of the State’s “scream” theory of the case, which imploded with the disclosure that Tracey Martin had initially denied that the screaming on the Lauer 911 recording was that of his son, Trayvon Martin. It also noted that the Court had decided to allow Trayvon Martin’s toxicology report to be allowed into evdience. Also, of course, it contains video of all the other testimony and hearings caught on camera throughout the day. That can be found here:

Implosion: Police Testify Trayvon’s Father Originally Denied Son Was Screaming

This past weekend I posted up an analytical piece of Mark O’Mara’s request for a judgment of acquittal. O’Mara’s motion was well-reasoned and supported by Florida’s case law. It was, of course, doomed to peremptory denial by Judge Nelson. In that piece I’ve linked almost all of the case citations made by O’Mara to full-length copies of the decisions, so you can see the sources for yourselves, if you like (most of the decisions are gratifyingly brief). You can see that here:

Why Zimmerman’s Motion for Acquittal Should Have Been Granted

Last Thursday, July 4, I had posted up a review of the trial to date, with some prognostication of how things may role out in the coming days. To take a look at that, click here:

Zimmerman Trial Review– How We Got Here, And Where We’re Going

For all of our prior coverage on day-to-day events in court, as covered here at Legal Insurrection, click here:

ARCHIVE: Zimmerman Trial LIVE coverage all day, every day

For all of our prior coverage on issues specific to the Law of Self Defense as covered at my own blog, click here:

Law of Self Defense Blog: Zimmerman Trial

(NOTE: If you do wander over to the LOSD blog, be sure to come back to Legal Insurrection to comment, as nearly all my time is spent here for the duration of the trial.)


Andrew F. Branca is an MA lawyer and author of the seminal book “The Law of Self Defense,” now available in its just released 2nd Edition, which shows you how to successfully fight the 20-to-life legal battle everyone faces after defending themselves. Take advantage of the 20% “Zimmerman trial” discount & free shipping (ends when the jury returns a verdict). NRA & IDPA members can also use checkout coupon LOSD2-NRA for an additional 10% off. To do so simply visit the Law of Self Defense blog. (Coupon works ONLY at www.lawofselfdefense.com.)

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Many thanks to Professor Jacobson for the invitation to guest-blog on the Zimmerman trial here on Legal Insurrection!

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Comments


and it is not as if the head will be in the same position each time. One normally moves the head to avoid an on-going combat event

Henry Hawkins | July 10, 2013 at 12:03 pm

Guys & Dolls, starring MOM!

I hope the doll is not homophobic or he is having a really bad day!

Henry Hawkins | July 10, 2013 at 12:04 pm

At close yesterday I was 99.9335% sure GZ was innocent, but that has all changed after this morning’s testimony. Now I’m 99.9992% sure.

Henry Hawkins | July 10, 2013 at 12:05 pm

That doll definitely doesn’t look White Hispanic to me.

RAAAAAAAAAAACISM.

I’m putting MOM on retainer just because I find a sharp lawyers hot. He is an excellent lawyer.

the position of the TM is directly related to the position of the shirt, which we know was several inches away from his body

Uncle Samuel | July 10, 2013 at 12:06 pm

O’Mara is awesome!

excellent use of the tie to point to the belly botton

MOM is just brilliant!

ProfessionalSpectator | July 10, 2013 at 12:08 pm

Brilliant re-Direct. State went way too far on Cross.

MOM doesn’t understand what prosecution was getting at with flashlight either. I can see the less lethal option angle but MOM isn’t addressing that. He thinks they are saying George may have used flashlight to start the altercation.

    Uncle Samuel in reply to Voluble. | July 10, 2013 at 12:12 pm

    NO EVIDENCE of that. None.

    Henry Hawkins in reply to Voluble. | July 10, 2013 at 12:15 pm

    It may be that MOM thinks the *jury* may be thinking they are saying GZ attacked with flashlight.

    9mm semi-auto on hip, but GZ attacks with small flashlight? State theory: GZ is MacGyver AND Jack Bauer wrapped up in one bad-ass attack machine.

    inquisitivemind in reply to Voluble. | July 10, 2013 at 12:17 pm

    I will flashlight you into submission!!!!

      legacyrepublican in reply to inquisitivemind. | July 10, 2013 at 12:41 pm

      That is it! You figured out the states position in this trial.

      I now know how GZ started this altercation.

      GZ viciously and unrelentingly attacked Martin with packet and packet of heavy photons.

      It must of hurt bad leaving him no other choice but to punch him in the nose and go after GZ MMA style.

      The brute. How dare GZ use a photon weapon too!

      I will flashlight you into submission!!!!.

      The Energizer Bunny held Martin, while Zimmerman shot him ?
      .

I sure don’t know GZ personally, but if I did, I could see him as a good friend. I mean, look at the people who have spoken up for him. You can tell by the company of friends that he has that they see him as a decent guy.

AHA! She left out “twitters” this time.

Somebody who watches the mainstream media, please be sure to let us know how they spin this crushing testimony in favor of the prosecution over the lunch hour, because I’m not wasting my time watching that crap.

    Henry Hawkins in reply to Matt in FL. | July 10, 2013 at 12:18 pm

    We must have at least one government employee here with the time to do that.

    inquisitivemind in reply to Matt in FL. | July 10, 2013 at 12:21 pm

    I was taken aback last evening while watching Nancy Grace(first time and last) when her headline was “the expert testimony proves Trayvon was trying to retreat”
    She was not only obnoxious but vehemently pissed that anyone would disagree with her.

      ikilled007 in reply to inquisitivemind. | July 10, 2013 at 12:33 pm

      That woman is sick in the head. Remember when she was too much of a coward to host her own show on the night when the Duke case was completely dismissed?

      Uncle Samuel in reply to inquisitivemind. | July 10, 2013 at 12:37 pm

      That is the OFFICIAL (Crump-and-company-approved) NARRATIVE.

      How dare inconvenient facts and actual evidence get in the way.

      These people have millions to gain from their lies.

      If you haven’t figured it out, Nancy Grace is all about keeping her rating up, not objectively evaluating evidence. She is the cable networks version of an internet troll.

      Bernice in reply to inquisitivemind. | July 10, 2013 at 1:03 pm

      I hear Nancy is opening a practice together with the Martins’ attorney. The shingle will read:
      CRUMP AND CRUNT,
      Attorneys-at-Law.

      NavyMustang in reply to inquisitivemind. | July 10, 2013 at 2:01 pm

      And don’t forget “Crazy Jane” Velez-Mitchell!

      My wife watches Grace and Jane. For entertainment value, she claims. I used to also, but I can’t bring myself to endure that torture anymore. Ugggh!

    DNelson1971 in reply to Matt in FL. | July 10, 2013 at 12:30 pm

    HLN Poll results:

    Has the defense created enough reasonable doubt to get Zimmerman off?

    75% Yes

    25% No

    Who are these 25%??!!

      Baker in reply to DNelson1971. | July 10, 2013 at 12:35 pm

      Who are they? Those are the ones who know TV was carrying Skittles. Case closed.

        Baker in reply to Baker. | July 10, 2013 at 12:36 pm

        TM that is.

        Mansizedtarget in reply to Baker. | July 10, 2013 at 1:21 pm

        I like the way the made such a big deal about skittles and tea, as if the fact that TM ad to attend to basic bodily needs makes him therefore innocent of any possible crime, including assuult. Who knew you could defend a case that way?!? Your honor, my client can’t be busy, he took a s**t earlier in the day. Or, as BDLR would put it, he took a “motherf***ing s**t from his a**hole” earlier in the day.

        One other thing, the foul language thing and its casual use can’t be good with this jury of middle aged women.

      inquisitivemind in reply to DNelson1971. | July 10, 2013 at 12:37 pm

      My guess would be the 25% of the audience that is racist

      Judyt2013 in reply to DNelson1971. | July 10, 2013 at 12:59 pm

      The 96% of blacks who voted for Obama because of his skin color and D beside his name would make up about 13% of that 25% and then the other 12% are those who think no one should ever own a gun for any reason.

      Dr Stiffy in reply to DNelson1971. | July 10, 2013 at 1:30 pm

      They are the people that will be rioting in a few days.

      moonstone716 in reply to DNelson1971. | July 10, 2013 at 1:58 pm

      You really don’t know? How sweet and innocent of you. Do you live in the U.S.?

    Daiwa in reply to Matt in FL. | July 10, 2013 at 1:12 pm

    It’s been very sad to watch the alphabets’ showing only the 3.7 microseconds of daily trial info conceivably, possibly, maybe, potentially favorable to the prosecution. And nothing else. So gobsmackingly transparent what they are doing, without hesitation or shame.

Am I the only one who chuckled when O’Mara walked behind Guy and said…”I’m going to borrow your doll for a minute. “The witness sure got it…he had a chuckle/smile going on.

MOM was brilliant during the doll demonstration

“Is it(90 degree angle) possible if TM was leaning back preparing to strike the FINAL BLOW.”

I am not sure why that did not get an objection from the I’ll object to anything and Nelson will grant it group.

I found that very powerful. (Of course I now have a huge crush on MOM so that may make be bias. I wonder if he women on the jury have developed any crushes on MOM.)

    inquisitivemind in reply to Judyt2013. | July 10, 2013 at 12:24 pm

    He’s definitely the most polite of the attorneys in the courtroom – extremely courteous and always asks if the jury would like a break

      inquisitivemind in reply to inquisitivemind. | July 10, 2013 at 12:29 pm

      I should also add I have a bit of a man crush on him after watching this trial…
      Not to the point of getting a life-sized fathead on the ceiling over my bed….only Tom Brady is worthy of that

      Exiliado in reply to inquisitivemind. | July 10, 2013 at 12:37 pm

      Did you notice that he does not gesticulate?

      Instead, he tries to look calm, and his face shows little emotion.

      I wouldn’t miss that if I was a juror, especially as opposed to the prosecutor’s (all three of them) classless and out-of-place histrionics.

        Mansizedtarget in reply to Exiliado. | July 10, 2013 at 1:18 pm

        Guy is the most professional of the bunch. Mantei and BDLR are crazy. They’re committing a very serious trial lawyer mistake: Their emotions are way ahead of the evidence and those of the jury. They’re full of righteous indignation, even though the evidence doesn’t support it. They promised to prove Zimmerman “wanted to” kill TM, but there is absolutely no evidence of that.

    Ragspierre in reply to Judyt2013. | July 10, 2013 at 12:35 pm

    OK, there is just a leeeetle bit too much “sharing” goin’ on here…

    MKReagan in reply to Judyt2013. | July 10, 2013 at 1:26 pm

    I have to admit…me too!

Regarding the speculation by the prosecutor that Travon may have been trying to pull away and retreat. Again, we have the prosecutor trying to raise a “reasonable doubt” about the defense theory of the case. Another instance of role reversals in this strange case.

    VetHusbandFather in reply to Pauldd. | July 10, 2013 at 12:47 pm

    Exactly, he should be trying to prove TM was backing away, not that he may be backing away. I womder if it’s an attempt to try to sell the compromise verdict. E.g. the Jurors think “well the state didn’t prove murder 2, but they did cast some doubt on GZs story so we’ll compromise with manslaughter.” Not saying they should decide that way, just maybe thats why the state keeps creating reasonable doubt.

    Browndog in reply to Pauldd. | July 10, 2013 at 12:47 pm

    “Pulling away”

    He was still only 4 inches away from the gun, and touching his shirt. If he was starting to lean back, it was surely to get more leverage to deliver a knock out blow.

    Prosecution: He may have been pulling away, which proves Trayvon was leaving to go home.

    Exiliado in reply to Pauldd. | July 10, 2013 at 12:54 pm

    Even if he was indeed pulling away, he should have said something to let Zimmerman know that he wanted to retreat.

    I don’t think they now expect Zimmerman to also know how to read minds. He had no way to know what TM’s next move was going to be, especially given the circumstances.
    As far as he knew, TM was raining blows on him.

      Uncle Samuel in reply to Exiliado. | July 10, 2013 at 1:17 pm

      “Yu gone die tonite Muthafkr!” is not a clear verbal communication of intent to retreat.

        Dr Stiffy in reply to Uncle Samuel. | July 10, 2013 at 1:35 pm

        BDLR- Isn’t it possible in Trayvon Martin’s community that statement means “Good evening Sir. I don’t want any trouble and I’m sorry if I looked suspicious to you?” You don’t know, do you?

Mansizedtarget | July 10, 2013 at 12:28 pm

If degree into Chest was 90 degrees, that supports defense case, because it’s consistent with Travon leaning over George. Plus the front left to rer right angle of bullet (shown by penetration of right lung in autopsy) shows shot from George’s right. If it had gone in front and exited or ended up near Trayvon’s right shoulder, that would be more consistent with prosecution’s theory of Trayvon withdrawing or retreating. No real proof of that, not least because Zimmerman screamed until the end.

Glad to see well deserved compliments of MOM. I understand he has not been paid a dime in this case. The GZ defense fund is for costs and he doesn’t expect to be paid anything. Same goes for Don West. I expect they have put their practices on hold and made extensive personal sacrifices. I hope it comes back to them tenfold.

Henry Hawkins | July 10, 2013 at 12:39 pm

Repeat: Angle of shot into chest is irrelevant because the human arm articulates at wrist and elbow. It doesn’t matter what the angular relationship was between the two combatants’ bodies, because the arm bends.

Test it yourself – I literally took the Ruger .38 out of my desk and twisted it around, bending at wrist and elbow, and I was able to create virtually any angle. I shot a hole in my coffee maker, but that too is irrelevant.

    Henry Hawkins in reply to Henry Hawkins. | July 10, 2013 at 12:44 pm

    Also (with a nod towards my scientific obsessions), I was bothered by the 2-4″ clothing dangle issue. True, gravity would pull the shirt away from a body leaning over, but it is also true that you could be lying flat on your back while your attacker simultaneously pulls at your clothes with one hand (imagine attacker with fistful of shirt in chest area) while shooting you with gun in his other hand.

    Both sides might have done a better job of illustrating how much mad thrashing, twisting, and battle chaos was likely occurring.

      divemedic in reply to Henry Hawkins. | July 10, 2013 at 12:48 pm

      That was addressed by Dr Di Maio yesterday. If that had occurred, the defect in the shirt would no longer line up with the wound, once the shirt was released.

      Was someone beating you about the head as you were doing your demonstration? If your on your back and someone is straddling you and banging away at your head, most likely you pull pistol, point straight up and pull trigger. You are not going to have time to think about let alone move gun into a 90 degree angle to your assaulter. Unless you are saying, like prosecution that TM had stopped assault and was getting off GZ. But where is that evidence.

        Henry Hawkins in reply to styro1. | July 10, 2013 at 1:29 pm

        I’m speaking purely science without regard to the identity of my two theoretical combatants. I’m saying it is entirely possible to have your shirt 2-4″ away from your skin without leaning over. It can be pulled downward by gravity, but it can be pulled away by the struggling actions of either combatant. What I reject is the notion that *only* gravity could move the shirt 2-4″ away. Mine was merely a rhetorical argument, not a legal argument. I’m not a lawyer, of course, but I’ve spent a lot of money on them.

          healthguyfsu in reply to Henry Hawkins. | July 10, 2013 at 2:15 pm

          You are assuming that the arm had freedom to articulate in all directions.

          That is an assumption that is highly unlikely given the struggle and GZ’s well-established body position.

    Matt in FL in reply to Henry Hawkins. | July 10, 2013 at 12:56 pm

    I think the coffee maker is relevant if the judge keeps running the proceedings ’til 10 p.m.

    Judyt2013 in reply to Henry Hawkins. | July 10, 2013 at 1:07 pm

    Was your coffee making pounding the poop out of you when you shot it? Isn’t that what morning coffee does?

There are a number of things that concern me about what appears to be a likely not guilty verdict in this case.
– The NAACP is having their 2013 convention in Orlando beginning this weekend.
– Lil Wayne, known for being somewhat of an ‘instigator’ is having a concert in Tampa on Saturday and West Palm beach on Sunday.
– My friends with local law enforcement tell me that cops have been undergoing riot control training for the past two weeks
– Couple this with the rumblings about post verdict violence and we have a fairly disconcerting set of circumstances.

    Cybrludite in reply to divemedic. | July 10, 2013 at 12:55 pm

    I suspect the riot training refreshers are due diligence on the part of local law enforcement. I wouldn’t be surprised if the staff NCOs of the Fla National Guard have also been quietly passing the word to their men to stay near the phone the next few days as well.

    gregm in reply to divemedic. | July 10, 2013 at 1:29 pm

    Oh goody I wonder if WPB will get out their mini tank? Red necks are all ready in our area.(but bad guys just don’t come out here.)

    Gremlin1974 in reply to divemedic. | July 10, 2013 at 4:25 pm

    My solution to that would be a report on the local news about how all Police Snipers have been doing extra practice in taking out targets in and around crowds, so in the instance that they had to do so, the community would be much safer.

Missed watching the trial this morning. I’ve read that the prosecution brought up the fact that Trayvon played football in school. Does this open the door for the defense to bring in his school records?

Guy is not, I am guessing a CCW guy.

“Is it not true that GZ could have waved the gun around in front of this bigger and stronger fella who was beating the crap out of him.”

Maybe he should have learned something about retaining his weapon before he got on his dolly.

Does anyone know where I can get a book on Self Defense laws

joke — brief levity ensues

    naughtynumbernine in reply to rekorb. | July 10, 2013 at 1:54 pm

    Be careful – apparently to many, knowledge of the law equates to intent to abide by said laws, and ultimately to cleverly commit murder in the second degree by legally defending oneself. I have lost so much faith in mankind due to this incident/trial.

Mister Natural | July 10, 2013 at 1:29 pm

just heard that judicial watch acquired FOIA docs from DOJ that reveals how holders crew flew down a contingent to sanford to help gin up the demonstrations against george zimmerman.
sort of like how the ministry of propaganda stirred the pot to create pogroms like kristallnacht, those many years ago

    Matt in FL in reply to Mister Natural. | July 10, 2013 at 1:32 pm

    I’m totally going to quote myself from the “Jury won’t get to see fighting texts” post…

    This is not new news. From their website:

    “The Community Relations Service is the Department’s ‘peacemaker’ for community conflicts and tensions arising from differences of race, color, and national origin. Created by the Civil Rights Act of 1964, CRS is the only Federal agency dedicated to assist State and local units of government, private and public organizations, and community groups with preventing and resolving racial and ethnic tensions, incidents, and civil disorders, and in restoring racial stability and harmony.”

    This is an organization born during the civil rights era, and although there’s not as much call for it now as then, what they do is not “facilitate” protests. They talk to the protesters to show them how to get their message out without it turning ugly. In turn, they talk to local authorities to teach them how to deal with the protests in such a way as to keep civil order without infringing on folks’ civil rights.

    To put it in simple terms, they teach the protesters to protest without throwing rocks and bottles at the cops, and they teach the cops to enforce order without resulting to billy clubs and fire hoses.

    Make sense now?

      Voluble in reply to Matt in FL. | July 10, 2013 at 1:41 pm

      Sounds like complete horseshit to me. Given what we know of Obama and Holder, and also what we know about this case being ginned up for political purposes I don’t think you can assume they were doing anything but stirring the pot.

      For instance, did they facilitate or advocate the arrest of the Black Panthers that were threatening Zimmerman? Did they even put out a statement about not rushing to judgment?

      I think only a fool would believe Obama and his administration had any interest in this case other than creating racial strife and scoring some political points during election season. I didn’t live through Jim Crow but this is the first administration I can remember that is so openly and unabashedly racist.

        Matt in FL in reply to Voluble. | July 10, 2013 at 1:43 pm

        I’m willing to be wrong. If they overstepped, there should be fallout. I don’t expect there will be, though, because this pales in comparison to the other stuff Holder has pulled, and he’s human Teflon.

      Mister Natural in reply to Matt in FL. | July 10, 2013 at 1:49 pm

      with all due respect,if you believe what the govt puts out on their websites then you, dear friend, are, beyond A reasonable doubt, A GULLIBLE CHUMP

    kittycat in reply to Mister Natural. | July 10, 2013 at 1:38 pm

    Mister Natural,

    Check this out: http://pjmedia.com/tatler/2013/07/10/newly-released-documents-detail-the-department-of-justices-role-in-organizing-trayvon-martin-protests/

    Read the part about Lee here:

    “Separately, in response to a Florida Sunshine Law request to the City of Sanford, Judicial Watch also obtained an audio recording of a “community meeting” held at Second Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church in Sanford on April 19, 2012. The meeting, which led to the ouster of Sanford’s Police Chief Bill Lee, was scheduled after a group of college students calling themselves the “Dream Defenders” barricaded the entrance to the police department demanding Lee be fired. According to the Orlando Sentinel, DOJ employees with the CRS had arranged a 40-mile police escort for the students from Daytona Beach to Sanford.”

There is no “more” on the twitter feed today.

The prosecution is trying to make a big deal about Zimmerman shooting Martin from a 90 degree angle. Didn’t Dr. Dimaio say yesterday that in order for the hole to line up, Martin would have to have been leaning over Zimmerman? Would it be possible for the hole to line up from a 90 degree shot?

Sooooo… Zimmerman referred to Trayvon as a “suspect” in his written statement. It seems that “assailant” would have been a more accurate descriptor.

    VetHusbandFather in reply to Bernice. | July 10, 2013 at 1:53 pm

    Didn’t the dispatcher in the NEN call also refer to TM as a suspect or something along those lines?

JDN “Your objection is overruled, SIIIRRRRRR!”

Hmmmmm, RJ and JDN relationship?

Does it seem to anyone besides me that the judge was just bullying Zimmerman?

Uncle Samuel | July 10, 2013 at 1:53 pm

Angela Corey, attorney for the Martin family, thought the interchange with the Judge about Zimmerman testifying was amusing.

WTH was that? Can a judge really act like that and not allow your attorney to speak on your behalf?

    Mister Natural in reply to MAPTX. | July 10, 2013 at 1:58 pm

    my understanding is that,during a trial the judge may act godlike. however the berhavior is reviewable at the appellate level which is why, i thin, is wht defense counselor west objected.
    please advise if i am incorrect

    Ragspierre in reply to MAPTX. | July 10, 2013 at 2:05 pm

    Absolutely. You need to listen to a plea bargain hearing.

    The judge will often essentially tell the lawyer to shudup, and will VERY closely and curtly interrogate the suspect.

    Also, listen to someone taking the 5th. They have to be very strong to maintain it against the onslaught by the judge, many times.

    wyntre in reply to MAPTX. | July 10, 2013 at 2:36 pm

    Channel 9 commentators said it is traditional for the judge to ask whether or not the defendant wants to testify at the conclusion of the case.

    Don’t know if that’s true but Nelson sure seems completely biased against GZ and West.

    I found that exchange shocking. Made me hope I never have to appear before a judge.

Should she not have asked the basis of the objection before overruling it?

After seeing how capricious the Judge can be toward his attorneys, is it any wonder that GZ appeared scared out of his wits to possibly say the wrong thing to her?

It seems really unfair to illicit a hard answer from a defendant on whether they will testify BEFORE the case in concluded.

Is this normal?

    wyntre in reply to fogflyer. | July 10, 2013 at 2:37 pm

    Channel 9 says no. Tradition is to ask that question at the end of the testimony.

    Hope an expert will weigh in on this.

If he had wanted to testify that would have certainly made him think twice. If his attorney is beaten up like that then he has to wonder what the judge would do to him, or allow to be done to him, once he got on the stand.

Thanks Mr. West, I really enjoyed that!

George looks refreshed, it clearly upset him but he is back. What a Bich!

Uncle Samuel | July 10, 2013 at 2:01 pm

Alan Dershowitz: If rioting happens after Zimmerman verdict, fault rests squarely on Fla. prosecutor Angela Corey

This judge is a piece of work. What a bitch! Maybe she needs to get laid or something.

“F-ing” because I don’t want to use that nasty in front of you ladies.

Artful

Mister Natural | July 10, 2013 at 2:05 pm

rioting in a state with concealed carry and stand your ground laws seems IMHO to be a very bad strategy.
too bad if the likes of miss dee dee and her ilk don’t have the brains to figure that out

    inquisitivemind in reply to Mister Natural. | July 10, 2013 at 2:11 pm

    Even more so if this ends in an acquittal as the bar for perceived “life threatening” will be set to any punch that’s thrown.

    Alan Cain in reply to Mister Natural. | July 10, 2013 at 2:12 pm

    The people that are apt to riot aren’t the most intelligent. It takes a long time to civilize the uncivilized.

I think it is interesting to note that the only “protestors” in the designated area were supporters of GZ today outside the courthouse. There were really only protestors there the first day in any number apparently. Please GZ don’t testify!!!!!!!!

NO other option – money quote

Seems clear to me Judge is trying to push Zimmerman to testify even though he has a right to wait until after all other witnesses are presented. Why does she keep asking him?

    JackRussellTerrierist in reply to bizbach. | July 10, 2013 at 3:13 pm

    Maybe she wants him to refuse and have that on the sound bytes. Maybe that’s why she’s doing it at an inappropriate time.

    Maybe that’s why she denied both the animation AND the texts – to push GZ into testifying so that the State can trash and badger him on the stand so his words can be twisted and misrepresented in closing.

What are the elements to determine the ultimate decision to use lethal force – BOOM end of case

    inquisitivemind in reply to Dr P. | July 10, 2013 at 2:26 pm

    Once that has been established then bring on an expert to testify to the extent of his injuries…fully seal the deal remove all possibility of even manslaughter and any impending civil litigation for the traydemarkers

      there is NO requirement for ANY injuries – just the well founded fear. That is being established by Root.

        inquisitivemind in reply to Dr P. | July 10, 2013 at 2:32 pm

        Agreed.
        These attorneys are damn near the best there are and I expect them to leave absolutely no door open

To the attorneys:

Is Mr. Root hurting or helping the defense? Should the defense have ended their case yesterday?

After all the arguing over the Motion in Limne, MOM basically got in what he wanted.

Guy: Do you know what Mr. Martin was doing when he was shot?”

Expert witness: “YES!”

Oooops

This guy is killing BDRL

    wyntre in reply to styro1. | July 10, 2013 at 2:45 pm

    Root sure doesn’t seem intimidated or cowed in any way.

    But I still don’t understand why the defense is ending with this witness and the 1 or 2 others expected later this afternoon.

    BTW, that’s not BDLR, just another obnoxious member of the prosecution team. Can’t remember his name.

Uncle Samuel | July 10, 2013 at 2:39 pm

Root’s phone is going to be ringing off the hook…for self-defense cases.

He is unflappable, concise, articulate, knowledgeable.

Root is The Star Witness of this case.

    Skookum in reply to Uncle Samuel. | July 10, 2013 at 3:35 pm

    On CNN, they think calling Root was a mistake by the defense, and they think he gave the State help by offering the jury reasons to find GZ guilty of something less than murder 2.

Guy desperate, laying on his back on the floor! LOLOLOLOL!!!!!!

Henry Hawkins | July 10, 2013 at 2:42 pm

I was very clear I’d be away from my desk and computer until 2:30 pm ET and Nelson went ahead with the trial anyway. You guys are right. What a biotch.

How often has the prosecution had to resort to trying to establish reasonable doubt about the defense’s scenario?

Now Guy is trying to establish that it’s POSSIBLE that GZ shot him in a different position than the defense’s scenario. When is he ever going to try establish that it was even LIKELY that it happened the way the prosecution says it happened?

Wow that hurt. The prosecution has no idea what they are doing.

Saw a “quick response” comment from the MSNBC commentwit to the effect that “this witness has been on much too long and is not doing the defense any good”. My only comment is what is she watching?

    Can you recognize talking points when you see them?

    CNN person said the same kind of thing. It is a concerted effort to sow doubt in the minds of people who believe that this case should never have been brought to trial.

Wow, Guy’s recross might be the worst yet.
He finally got in things like Why didn’t Trayvon run home?
OMara should just stop now.

The prosecution is just looking worse and worse. Guy should know something about the subjects he is questioning about. The answers he is getting are really damaging to his case.

The prosecution opens the door to issue but defense can’t follow up

Ok. Ok. GZ is not a fighter. He is not a warrior. He is soft. He really needed the gun for self-protection.

I’d absolutely die if MOM asked her, “Are you now a gun owner?”

If if was the prosecution I would point out how this lady followed all of the dispatchers instructions and no one was hurt.

    Dr Stiffy in reply to fogflyer. | July 10, 2013 at 3:21 pm

    Yeah, especially the part where the operator told her to get any weapon she had available and prepare to use it. Right?

      fogflyer in reply to Dr Stiffy. | July 10, 2013 at 3:33 pm

      Why would you give me a thumbs down?
      I was simply pointing out that asking those questions might be an effective cross for the prosecution to make the best out of a bad situation (a really good witness for the defense).

      I think that line of questioning would have been a lot better than what they did.

      You seem to think that by simply pointing this out I am Pro-prosecution or something, which is certainly not the case. Geez.

hmmm, defense objects, since the question was clearly beyond the scope and judge wants to overrule, the state gets a proffer

It seems as if a lot of the people who lived in GZ’s neighborhood have moved out of the neighborhood since the shooting.

    cazinger in reply to Catherine. | July 10, 2013 at 3:12 pm

    It might have something to do with some kind of bounty put out by the New Black Panther Party on someone who used to live there.

probably because of the ‘efffing punks!!!

Henry Hawkins | July 10, 2013 at 2:58 pm

O’Mara = cat, Guy = injured mouse

Puh-leeze don’t throw me into the brier patch!

This may be a stupid question as I know little about cell phones. Right now on a table behind GZ there is what appears to be a cell phone with a blinking light. Could that cell phone be on and someone listening to the conversations of the defense?

Wow. Guy wants to put the proffered evidence in front of the jury?? I guess to show Zimmerman was a wannabe cop.

This just opens the door for MOM to go into how Zimmerman was a concerned neighbor, empathetic to a crime victim, nice guy, everything else

WTH is the state thinking with this witness…….they really are trying to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that young black men were constantly causing trouble and that some may have lived in the neighborhood

Henry Hawkins | July 10, 2013 at 3:03 pm

OMG. SHE HAS A TWITTER ACCOUNT.

strange, Guy seemed act like he had a “gotcha” scenario..then dropped it

The women in the jury are going to think George is a bastard for comforting her after a home invasion. Wayda go Guy.

I guess the twitter bluff didn’t work.

You didn’t tweet about this case? NO 1 Minute your honor. ……. Oh never mind. We don’t know how twitter works.

Note to prosecution. You do not grill a terrified home invasion victim, especially when it happens to a mother with her baby. And especially especially in front of an all female judry-suicidal move.

Uncle Samuel | July 10, 2013 at 3:08 pm

Mark O’Mara – The Iron Fist in a Velvet Glove.

During lunch break I listened to the NEN call for the 1st time and when GZ says F-ing punks and he barley whispers it. But to listen to prosecutors they scream it!

    cazinger in reply to styro1. | July 10, 2013 at 3:18 pm

    So much so, in fact, that for some time there was a lot of speculation as to exactly what he HAD said. Some thought he said “coons”, some thought he said “cold”, some thought he said “puddles”.

    Now that it appears to have been finally determined, the prosecutors feel free to make what was an almost inarticulate mumble the centerpiece of proving, beyond a reasonable doubt, that GZ had ill-will and spite towards TM.

    PapaG in reply to styro1. | July 10, 2013 at 4:08 pm

    Their entire case was based on that premise. Even their opening statements.

Henry Hawkins | July 10, 2013 at 3:10 pm

At least the State as able to show that not only is Zimmerman a nice man concerned for the safety of his neighbors, but his wife is too. Not sure how the defense comes back from that.

Is it not true Mr. Zimmerman that if your name had been Sanchez none of this would have happened.

inquisitivemind | July 10, 2013 at 3:11 pm

Wow GZ’z father was put under oath to listen to the tape..
implying much on that MOM?

note GZ father put under oath before listening to tape as opposed to TM family

Aha, you listened to it 6 times

Wouldn’t GZ tell his lawyers who he wanted to call as witnesses?

    Dr P in reply to styro1. | July 10, 2013 at 3:15 pm

    That is the point of the question. This is the court asking GZ if he is satisfied with how his attorney’s have listened to his wishes as the client.

BDLR: “Subject to recall.”

Have to exclude his parents just a little bit longer, don’t you, you jerk.

He deserves a ball kick just for that move alone throughout the duration of this trial.

    Benny in reply to Matt in FL. | July 10, 2013 at 3:19 pm

    Ball kick no. He has to look in the mirror to trim his chicken-s**t mustache; isn’t that punishment enough.

    cazinger in reply to Matt in FL. | July 10, 2013 at 3:22 pm

    That has really irked me for this trial. It was obviously just a ploy to keep them out of the sight of the jury, while featuring Tracy Martin and Sybrina Fulton center stage the whole time.

    In the end, though, I think this is going to backfire on them, as they cannot be excluded during closing arguments, and I have no doubt that MOM or West will point them out to the jury – AND – point out that the prosecution kept them out of sight on purpose.

Henry Hawkins | July 10, 2013 at 3:16 pm

Does anyone see any reason GZ would testify now?

    kittycat in reply to Henry Hawkins. | July 10, 2013 at 3:18 pm

    No, I don’t think GZ should testify at all. It’s not necessary, but it’s too bad that the judge wouldn’t allow TM’s texts into the record.

      Uncle Samuel in reply to kittycat. | July 10, 2013 at 3:20 pm

      Judge refusing to admit information about fighting, wanting to buy a gun, drugs and school records is grounds for appeal, right?

      MAPTX in reply to kittycat. | July 10, 2013 at 3:23 pm

      I honestly would want to testify if I was GZ but I would listen to my attorneys and given what we have all seen at this trial I don’t think he needs to at all.

        Gremlin1974 in reply to MAPTX. | July 10, 2013 at 4:09 pm

        Yes, that would be grounds for a appeal, the bad part about it is that is only the bottom of the list of reasons that if Zimmerman is convicted of anything it will never survive appeal.

    Sanddog in reply to Henry Hawkins. | July 10, 2013 at 3:20 pm

    He may want to be able to explain himself to the jury. It would be an incredibly stupid move.

    inquisitivemind in reply to Henry Hawkins. | July 10, 2013 at 3:21 pm

    no reason whatsoever

    styro1 in reply to Henry Hawkins. | July 10, 2013 at 3:21 pm

    No need to. His statements are on the record and police saying they believed him.

    archtyrx in reply to Henry Hawkins. | July 10, 2013 at 3:40 pm

    Absolutely! He’s sat there like a blob the whole trial, and he’s the one the jury wants to hear from the most. This is gonna hurt him.

      Gremlin1974 in reply to archtyrx. | July 10, 2013 at 4:10 pm

      It is better for him to remain silent than to let the prosecution trick him into saying something that may sway the jury. Besides he has testified in a manner through video he made with the police. All testifying will accomplish is to give BDLR a chance to scream at him.

Wasn’t George’s father a judge at one time?

    Ragspierre in reply to kittycat. | July 10, 2013 at 3:22 pm

    Yes, of a sort. Maybe a magistrate.

    Lucien Cordier in reply to kittycat. | July 10, 2013 at 3:52 pm

    Kristi Wright with the Virginia Department of Legislative and Public Relations:
    “Robert J. Zimmerman served as a full-time magistrate from 2000-2006. Please be advised that in Virginia magistrates are judicial officers, but they are not considered “judges” and do not possess trial jurisdiction. More detailed information on the role of the magistrate in Virginia is available on Virginia’s Judicial System Website .”

    he was never a judge

Yeah, especially the part where the operator told her to get any weapon she had available and prepare to use it. Right?

The State Attorney’s office put Mr Zimmerman under oath before listening to 911 call. Will they charge him with perjury now. Slapping the cuffs on him in the hall right now. Then recall him as rebuttal witness. BDLR: “Mr Zimmerman you have charged with perjury isn’t that correct? “

From watching how GZ responds to judge he needs to stay off the stand, I think he will. He is so soft spoken though he might get a lot of sympathy. But he will be ripped up.

Henry Hawkins | July 10, 2013 at 3:20 pm

State’s closing arg ought to be something, huh?

    Ragspierre in reply to Henry Hawkins. | July 10, 2013 at 3:24 pm

    It WILL…!!!

    I really wonder if this is where Cory will take a hand.

      Henry Hawkins in reply to Ragspierre. | July 10, 2013 at 3:27 pm

      In law school do they cover:

      1. Turd polishing?

      2. Pig lip sticking?

        Ragspierre in reply to Henry Hawkins. | July 10, 2013 at 3:31 pm

        Oh, yeah.

        I am a dab hand at sticking pigs in their lips!

        One of my best subjects…

        Solomon in reply to Henry Hawkins. | July 10, 2013 at 4:22 pm

        Re:
        1) turd polishing — despite the prosecutors practicing on one another in round-robin fashion, none has truly mastered the technique;
        2) pig lip-sticking — sorry but Corey and Nelson refuse to divulge their beauty tips. 😉

    styro1 in reply to Henry Hawkins. | July 10, 2013 at 3:28 pm

    Does anyone know if the defense can object during prosecutions closing arguments if they misrepresent or outright lie about evidence or testimony, like they did during JOA motion?

Will never think of “Roots” in quite the same way.

Henry Hawkins | July 10, 2013 at 3:24 pm

I’m getting a definite David/Maddie Moonlighting vibe going on between West and Nelson. You don’t suppose…. ?

Why is the judge questioning the defendant when he has atty’s to representing him. That is totally inappropriate.

    Ragspierre in reply to styro1. | July 10, 2013 at 3:26 pm

    Not at all.

    It is far more common than you might think.

    I’ve had civil court judges essentially become inquisitors during testimony.

    You should watch a plea-bargain entry some time.

      styro1 in reply to Ragspierre. | July 10, 2013 at 3:34 pm

      I have. Maybe they do things different down in Fla. In Mass they would tell defendant to discuss with their atty that they will need to decide they don’t question them.

        Ragspierre in reply to styro1. | July 10, 2013 at 3:38 pm

        If you just heard the colloquy between Zimmerman and the judge, you will have heard on very like that if you listen to a plea-bargain entry.

        They have to be on the record.

    archtyrx in reply to styro1. | July 10, 2013 at 3:43 pm

    I think it’s great. He needs to say something, anything, so the jury knows that he’s more than a blob. Excellent move by Nelson. He looked like a deer in the headlights!

When judge questions GZ he looks confused b/c I don’t think he expects the judge to be questioning him.

Carol Herman | July 10, 2013 at 3:26 pm

Seems O’Mara was putting into the record his desire for information about Trayvon’s fighting background, etc., into nelson’s lap, like a hot potato. Her negative ruling is now part of the record. And, could lead to reversal IF this jury doesn’t acquit.

We don’t know how the jurors have been responding throughout this trial. But IF the Defense can read the jurors well, it’s perhaps time to move the case into the jury room?

Nothing so far in the State’s case presents Zimmerman as meeting the criteria for the Murder 2 charge. Seems to me we’ve seen compelling evidence that it was self-defense.

Then there’s the “other” issue of the racial whores, racially profiling Zimmerman for their own ends. Will someone write: ANATOMY OF A RACIAL LYNCHING?

inquisitivemind | July 10, 2013 at 3:27 pm

On the neighbor lady shouldn’t BDLR have asked:
Isn’t it dangerous to run with rusty scissors and holding your baby…endangering your child in that manner isn’t a very good thing for a mother to do is it?

Any chance for the defense to call more witnesses now, even though they told the judge they were done? They haven’t officially rested, have they? Could they push it on a little longer, while their private investigator continues to try to track down the other side of those text conversations TM had, so they can be “authenticated” to the judge’s satisfationc?

For immediate release:
Former prosecutor Bernie de la Rionda announces deal with Hasbro to re-introduce line of Mr. Potato Head toys and accessories.

Henry Hawkins | July 10, 2013 at 3:32 pm

The dummy BDLR used… do they come in blonde?