Day 22 (Week #5) Zimmerman Trial – Witness Discussion Thread

The Conservative Treehouse ^ | July 10, 2013 | Sundance

[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.

[BunnySlippers]

The OJ Simpson TRIAL was 11 months long. The jury was sequestered. The deliberated [IIRC] 3 hours because they wanted to go home.

Fiasco!

[onyx]

We just moved and I have so many things to do but here I sit, still in my pj's, tv on, laptop going. Not going to be a productive day.
I have an eye appt later and I'm thinking of changing it! LOL

Oh. My. Gosh!

You're hopelessly consumed!

You moved!

You'll have to tell me all about it, later!

[sheikdetailfeather]

10:54

Kathi Belich, WFTV@KBelichWFTV

Jurors are paying attention and some are taking notes. #Zimmermanon9

[AllAmericanGirl44]

lol, good one! He’ll need them ~

[txmissy]

Yes! That was my first thought.

[Sacajaweau]

I agree....They do not want another weekend there. The state has no case.

[cuban leaf]

He’s saving those “Lucky Leopards” for closing arguments.

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They’ll “peek-a-boo” just above the belt line and just below the butterfly tatoo.

[onyx]

What was the pithy one liner, and what is it to achieve?

You'll have to ask Leni!

[BunnySlippers]

That’s good news.

[Toespi]

Hope they are a legitimate jury.

[PoloSec]

Question for those who no courtroom process, how is it determine who would go first in closing arguments, and is there an advantage to being first or last?

[onyx]

Does anyone think it odd that the Florida Bar Association uses gmail?

Yeah....LOL.

[onyx]

[Sacajaweau]

prosecution first...

[chopperman]

It’s only after he exited the truck to comply with the request to locate TM that the dispatcher told him not to follow. GZ complied....

This is false. The 911 Operator specifically said 'We don't need you to do that.'

It was not a command to not follow. It was basically a statement to protect the Authorities from a lawsuit if Z got hurt while following.

[lawdave]

But, that does not preculde a civil suit at the state level, does it?

No it does not. Federal Civil right action would be criminal proceeding in Federal Court. A state civil action would be for negligence/wrongful death brought by the family. Two different cases.

[dragnet2]

Does anyone think it odd that the Florida Bar Association uses gmail?

Since they use Skype in court, no.

[don-o]

ROH Ro - Witness mentioned a 15 round magazine. Heads exploding at HLNMSNBCetc

[Kansas58]

Slightly different case, but abortionist George Tiller as well as many other “Doctors” tried to used the KKK Act to stop protests at abortion clinics. I was not really a member of OR, but was friends with many who were, and was asked to observe and record protests for political reasons. Judge Kelly had me brought in under a Civil Contempt of Court charge for “violation” of his order.
(Look to my profile, sorry I had trouble formatting it. Also look to LINK at bottom of my profile, for a letter that I wrote to Kelly.)
Kelly found me in Contempt.
I appealed that ruling.
In the mean time, SCOTUS ruled that the KKK act was NOT available to the abortion providers, in part because CIVILIANS are NOT government employees, and that our actions were not, “Under color of law”. Civilians can not deprive you of Civil Rights, the Constitution restrains GOVERNMENT not individuals.

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Federal charges for the same events. Mostly black jury. Zimmerman gets convicted.

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While I wouldn't put it past them to try , in order to bring a federal civil rights action, the bad actor must be acting under color of state law. Zimmerman was a private citizen. An Example: In the Rodney King case, the cops were acquitted in the state court but since they were state actors they could be sued for deprivation of civil rights.

[AllAmericanGirl44]

I recall reading that MOM’s skill in jury selection was so great that it should be taught in school.
I found that fascinating.

As so many seem really concerned with an all female jury, I trust that MOM knew exactly what he was going for in ending with jury make up.