Posted on 07/09/2013 7:48:06 PM PDT by kristinn
The second degree murder trial of George Zimmerman in the shooting death of Trayvon Martin took a bizarre turn tonight as the judge presiding over the case stormed out of her courtroom over the objections of defense attorneys.
Judge Nelson had heard several hours of after hours arguments on proposed defense evidence and witnesses.
As the 10 o'clock hour drew near, Nelson announced the court would be in recess until 8 a.m. tomorrow, prompting objections from defense attorneys O'Mara and West that would not give them time to prepare for the day. Nelson told them she didn't want the jury to have to wait like they did this morning. As West complained that he physically could not keep up the pace the judge was forcing on the defense Nelson bolted from her chair and stormed out of the courtroom.
The entire 16 minutes of the YouTube video of the end of today's session is worth watching. Advance to the last few minutes, about 14:00, for the fireworks.
Video posted by "The Count."
She can’t throw his entire testimony out. She’ll will have to repeat to the jury the part she wants them to ignore
The defense isn't rolling in money. The lawyers are working mostly pro bono and the only money they are spending is for witnesses and other necessities. I don't think they are taking a salary. The clothes Zimmerman is wearing were bought for him by neighbors and friends who know how broke he is, so hiring extra help is pretty much out of the question.
then they have talent on the side doin needed legwork
Wow. That’s bullsh*t.
I mean, really. This judge certainly seems to have it in for the defense.
That is just... wow.
Both West and O’mara have been subperb Very professional and courteous to the witnesses. Well organized and have represent Z well. You might enjoy watching the videos on line.
I work with a lot of blacks and they all are like your friend. I’ll never look at blacks the same way. When it comes down to it, they go with the tribe...when they vote and when its a race issue.
A. couple of interns and their expert witnesses. They’re both well respected lawyers with good reputation in the legal community. I’m are their colleagues are not too happy with the prosecution They no doubt are receiving text emails and calls with case laws that will help them. Sort of a hostile network that this judge will have to deal with for a long time
Next bar picnic she should just stay home
she’ll just buffet at the Golden Wet Grass and Graze Corral
It looks like she has to get reelected, and the country is 82% white, 10% black.
Politically, Florida is a swing state.
She is said to be "ambitious."
Regardless of the pressures from above, if she REALLY screws this case up (and a good indication of that could be reversal on appeal due to the judge's actions), I think doing so could end her career.
When Trayvon decided to crack the skull of the "crazy ass cracker" he signed his fate, George Zimmerman had every right to defend his life... even if it meant taking the life of Trayvon. Simple to see, but the family of Trayvon will NEVER see it that way... to them Trayvon was a "kid" just doing what a "kid" does and lost his life to the "crazy ass cracker".
I hope you are correct. In your opinion, how has the judge conducted herself so far?
Thank you for your comments. What is the judge denying about the texts?
I just watched that clip.
West did a great job calling out prosecutorial misconduct and withholding exculpatory evidence.
He preserved error and simultaneously allowed the judge to either ignorantly or maliciously mischaracterize the case law.
Those text messages should be admitted because there is enough corroborating evidence (establishing authenticity- even under the case law cited by the judge) for the jury to consider the weight to be given them as the trier of fact.
And great job by West preserving error by asserting that the actions of the state and the court deprived GZ of a fair trial under the FL and US Constitution.
Amazing how many lawyers don’t do that.
I always set up constitutionally reversible landlines during trial. I consider it malpractice not to.
Otherwise the error is waived and can’t be raised on appeal.
I can say from first hand experience that jurors (while often not too bright) have a keen sense of when the judge is shafting the defense.
They don’t like it.
I lost one case as a prosecutor. I proved my case beyond all reasonable doubt. But when I spoke to the jury afterwards they told me straight up that he was guilty, but the judge had it in for the defendant and was rude to ME, so they acquitted just to spite the judge.
At the time I wasn’t happy.
But since then I have learned the art of making the proceedings appear slanted and biased against my client.
When I was brand new I would deliberately ask questions out of proper form and bait the prosecutor into objecting to every question based on form.
It PISSED off the jury and turned them against the state.
The jury understood the questions, but the little prickl prosecutor wanted to be a bully, and I was all too happy to let him.
Now I can’t play the rookie card, but the traps are still there.
In this case the judge is played for a fool, although she is really doing a poor job from what I can tell.
Lastly, the judge explains her reasoning (ignorance) way too much.
She should force the parties (state) to argue the basis for excluding evidence.
The best trial judges make the parties duke it out then the court either sustains, overrules, grants, or denies.
I call it “rule and run”.
Many cases have been flipped because the trial judge exposes her ignorance by explaining (can’t keep her trap shut) her reasoning.
Zimmerman should walk.
Walk and pack that is:-)
It's glaringly obvious you've never studied law.
<< PS The sad reality is that 40% of blacks have an IQ of 80 or less. Only 10% of whites test that low... >>
Do you have a reference for that?
Let’s be REAL about the generally emotional nature of women! It is undeniable.
* * *
I know many intelligent, level-headed women who I would trust to be on that jury. I’m sorry your experience has apparently been different.
I agreed with your assessment up to the point where you suggest that TM’s family sees him in that light.
I disagree, they see his death as a cash cow.
Once Crump and company got their hands into it, the dollar
signs lit up. It’s ALL about the money now. Remember
the ridiculous trademarking of his name, what a joke.
I smell some Eric Holder at work.
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