As far as the state of Florida is concerned, TM is the victim.
Who is he as far as you are concerned???
Based on a quick Internet review, it appears that the victim’s past history can be used in a murder trial if the prosecution opens the door by trying to show the victim was a saint who would never have started a fight.
Lawyers are welcome to jump on me and show me what that quick Internet review is wrong. My guess is Zimmerman’s lawyer is doing this to preempt an attempt by the prosecution to claim sainthood for Martin.
In cases of rape, the victim is almost always shielded. I think that is wrong, but the law doesn’t care what I think.