Technically, that’s not the case. They could have reasonable doubt as to an element of 2nd Degree Murder that is not an element of Manslaughter; i.e. Zimmerman’s state of mind. Still, the self-defense issue IS the same, and should trump it.
Exactly, even if manslaughter occurred, if it was committed while providing self-defense, then GZ in not-guilty. It's apparent that the jury hasn't considered self-defense first. If it had then there would have been a NG verdict on both counts yesterday.