>> No way this animation should be allowed - it’s pure speculation.
Not speculation — it’s an animation of what Zimmerman said happened.
So an animation of the what the prosecution said happened would be OK?
If that's the case then the animation is effectively Zimmerman's testimony and therefore cannot be admitted unless Zimmerman is put on the stand and allowed to be cross-examined.
The problem with a lot of evidence (this in particular) is authentication. The best authentication of this simulation evidence is verification from the only person who could testify that it accurately depicts what he observed and experienced, and that is the defendant. I wouldn’t put Zimmerman on the stand to do that, because once he takes the stand, he is open to a wide array of questions the prosecution may ask. The trial is going so well for the defense to date, I wouldn’t risk it.
“Not speculation — it’s an animation of what Zimmerman said happened.”
But there’s a fairness issue too - Zimmerman hasn’t testified.
How can his testimony be put into evidence in the defense’s case-in-chief, through the back door of animation, without giving the prosecution the right to cross examine Zimmerman?