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.
>> It seems Guy has a crush on the dummy.
She’s not much to look at, but he respects her for her brains, which he sees as superior to his. And he’s sure that in personality, he’s found his soul mate!
Don't hand over the prize just yet.
Apparently George himself MAY testify. The Judge has given them a recess so then can make that decision.
I hope MOM can persuade him not to testify
Exactly
The Martins get a family roundtable but Mr Zimmerman gets put under oath to hear the tape.
WTF
Defense should have asked whether Z sr had ever stated that the voice on the 911 tape was anyone other than his son.
“I think this is it...will he or won’t he. Will GZ take the stand.”
I think not. Defense knows the prosecutor would go after him like a pack of wild dogs goes after a small animal.
Is it standard procedure for the judge to ask the defendant whether he wants to testify or not? I don’t recall that happening in any other trial I’ve watched.
She is putting undue pressure on him TO testify. It’s the only thing that could possibly help the state. And it won’t happen. Her protocol as a judge is completely out of line.
I really hope not. I don’t see any reason to at this point.
Watch your language, mister! Heh.
Besides Don West pulling Bernie's pants down (twice) - not much
WTF TV KB: Robert Zimmerman was under oath at State Attorneys office listening to screams on tape, KB says this contrasts with how Martins family listened to call.
Zimmerman should do a speech ala Pacino in Carlito’s Way:
I want to thank you Honor, I wish to thank the prosecutor for dreaming up this case and withholding evidence, I wish to thank the appellate court for over turning your honor. I wish to thank my attorney who never game up on me.
Forget my response.
I can see now you are commenting on him being sworn in to listen to the tape. I was only commenting on the courtroom.
I thought the defense was going to put on evidence of drugs??? Did I miss something?
thanks, I figured that’s what you meant.
A very apt description, so sad.
I’m sure it has to be burning GZ to want to tell his truth.
After sitting there listening to this cowards ahem prosecutors, implying all that they have, it has to be so infuriating.
I too hope he does not take the stand. I see no value in it. He can tell his story in a book he writes.
the effect being telegraphing to the jury that Z is guilty since he is not taking the stand in his own defense?
WTF TV KB: Robert Zimmerman was under oath at State Attorneys office listening to screams on tape, KB says this contrasts with how Martins family listened to call.
*******************************************************************
Hopefully this will be yet another thing that will benefit GZ if the jury picked up on it.
This trial is a perfect illustration of the upside down craziness of life in America today. Nothing makes any sense to me anymore.
Real life version of Alice in Wonderland
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.