[SteveH]

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.

[Jeff Winston]

I don’t know what you mean by an SYG continuum. I’m not familiar with “SYG.”

Regardless, I think it is unrealistic, and probably unreasonable, to expect a civilian to adhere to a “continuum of force” when his head is being slammed against the concrete and his nose is being violently smashed.

I don’t think a policeman would restrain his force under the same circumstances, either.