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To: SteveH
I appreciate thoughtful analysis.

Admittedly, Z is not an LEO, so the continuum of force model does not apply in totality...

All that is necessary for Zimmerman to have acted in a justifiable way is: Did the other party initiate the actual fight, and did Zimmerman reasonably fear that he was at risk of death or serious injury?

That's it.

Based on the evidence presented, I would say the answer to both questions appears to be yes.

The answer to the first question is not absolutely, 100% certain. It is PLAUSIBLE, though not at all likely, that Zimmerman COULD have thrown the first punch.

That would undermine the claim of self-defense.

But there is absolutely no hard evidence in favor of that, and there is CERTAINLY more than a reasonable doubt against it.

The answer to the second question appears to be an indisputable YES.

I see no sane way to return any verdict other than acquital. At this point the case appears to be so weak that it should NEVER have come to a trial.

68 posted on 06/25/2013 11:51:54 AM PDT by Jeff Winston
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To: Jeff Winston
All that is necessary for Zimmerman to have acted in a justifiable way is: Did the other party initiate the actual fight, and did Zimmerman reasonably fear that he was at risk of death or serious injury? That's it.

Insofar as the trial goes, I would tend to agree.

However, in the larger scheme as I mentioned a SYG continuum of force model would be of use in society at large, not just limited to the trial itself. For example, public understanding and acceptance of a SYG continuum of force model would tend to help avoid currently anticipated street riots if charges are dismissed or a not guilty verdict is returned.

69 posted on 06/25/2013 12:03:24 PM PDT by SteveH (First they ignore you. Then they laugh at you. Then they fight you. Then you win.)
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