Posted on 07/10/2013 5:15:07 AM PDT by Uncle Chip
Today, July 10th, is DAY #22 (of 5th week) State of Florida V. George Zimmerman case.
Yesterday began with a boom as defense expert witness, world renowned Dr Vincent Di Maio took to the stand to validate the forensic evidence supporting George Zimmerman’s version of the encounter with Trayvon Martin. However, the day ended with an even bigger THUNDERCLAP in an epic 10pm showdown as Don West took on both the State prosecutors and trial Judge Nelson after the jury was released. Ending with Judge Nelson, turning her back and walking out of court. Unreal. A great analysis of the events from yesterday is available HERE.
The late night argument, not by the State, but by Judge Nelson herself, regarding phone evidence authentication, is so weak and insufferably devoid of legal analysis it is absurd on its face. Then again, this is the same judge who said a few days ago, flippantly in open court, that evidence should be “shredded” (Dr. Bao notes) after use. D’oh
Essentially Nelson argued that the phone records (texts and pics from Trayvon) cannot be authenticated to have originated by the specific personage of Trayvon Martin (despite two security codes) because anyone could have sent them. Whiskey*Tango*Foxtrot !!
How can an email be used in a sex offender case? How can phone records be used in RICO cases? How can GPS evidence be used in Insurance Cases? How are photographs taken by perps used against them? Think about it.
You can’t argue that evidence cannot be admitted because someone else might have made the actual phone call; Someone else might have physically sent the email; Someone else actually accessed the website; Someone else might have been the driver of the car; Or, someone else could possibly have been behind the viewing lens of the camera etc.
No, that argument does not mean you can arbitrarily exclude evidence. And this was the basis for her argument (watch the video).
Sure, that’s an argument which can be presented to the jury by the other side, as a counter point to create doubt with the jury, but it can’t be a reasonable consideration for total evidence exclusion. Then again, this is Judge Nelson – who in multiple prior cases has a high historical propensity of being overruled by the 5th District Court of Appeals.
It should be noted the NAACP Annual National Convention starts in Orlando on Friday; Additionally, preparations are being made in/around Miami-Dade for a Wednesday defense wrapped up with a community/LEO preparation meeting yesterday.
Confirms - No more witnesses from either side.
Made sure it had pockets. Also got sweat pants WITH POCKETS. Got another pair of sweat pants with pockets plus there is a pocket about half way down a leg. Really good place to stash a backup weapon or more cartridges.
So is sequestration over — can the witnesses watch tv again and talk about the case or do they still have to wait???
When the defense rests is the big key.
Maybe someone will be able to find the videos of both times. It is my recollection that the jury had been dismissed both times before the judge asked Zimmerman if he wanted to testify. If I recall many years back when I was on a jury the defense didn't testify and I am pretty sure we never heard the Judge ask if they wanted to.
I think it would not be appropriate to ask in front of the Jury because just him answering to that question by the judge could have an influence on the jury. You would then see his manner etc as to how he answered.
You are correct the jury was NOT present for either time the judge asked GZ about taking the stand
Believes the jury has been listening carefully - intuitively
MOM said they protected the memory of Trayvon... WHY should he care about that, if he REALLY wanted to get his client off?
GZ worried for his personal safety going forward
Wow. Thanks!
I'm not one of those either, but I have to say, Props and Kudos to George, he hanged tough when the "judge" pulled a surprise move! He refused to answer, in the face of an angry "judge!" One of his lawyers must have told him, "Don't ever answer the court with a 'yes' or 'no' answer. Ever. In the name of all things holy. Just don't."
>>>V3 = The Way, The Truth, The Life??<<<
Yes, I have been redeemed by the LORD. ;)
It’s press speak. Nothing more. Nothing less.
Well stated.
Yup. . .more appropriate. Funnier, too.
O’Mara is GOOD at the presser. I’m really impressed with this guy. Wonder if he’s conservative or liberal. If he’s conservative I’d vote for him for whatever he ran for.
He’s a mature, thoughtful, measured, articulate, sober-minded adult. Everything I’m not. :-)
Incidentally, I have you on record encouraging us to post cats. Why did you change your testimony?
It’s not false. It’s a summary of the meaning of 2 lines by the dispatcher.
1) are you following? (Yes)
2) we don’t need you to do that (Zimmerman complies)
See the transcript at # 241
As a summary it’s a fair one. There were no quotation marks around it.
The point is that Zimmerman complied and that he was doing what he thought the dispatcher had asked. It makes Zim look good that he listened.
MOM: “Gotta go to work.”
I cannot imagine what his schedule is.
Hint on the sweatpants: test them while loaded down with stuff in the pockets, before you rely on them.
Trust me on this. :-)
Which is ridiculous - since they tailored their testimony to fit the questions the persecution asked other real witnesses.
Another hot tip is make sure you have your trunks on before dropping your trousers at the public pool.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.