George Zimmerman/Trayvon Martin General discussion

[Shelby1]

Uh, anyone else find that "joke" awkward????

 

[SilkySifaka]

Yes, you heard that right.

Of course, he will have to back that up with evidence from the experts.

But would the prosecution say something that bold (or really anything!) during opening statements that wasn't true?

I get the defense gets a "pass" to lie. It's their job, if you want to get really technical! LOL!!

But is the prosecution allowed to lie...and not back it up with some sort of evidence?

After following the "big trials" (SP, CA, JA, Spector, etc) I am still unsure about that aspect of the prosecutions role.

The prosecution can lie as well. Often its lie by omission rather than commission, such as not pointing out a fact that might make their case weaker or over emphasizing one that they know has weak science to it. DA's are elected (a big mistake imo, justice shouldnt be up for votes) and they have their win/loss ratio to look at. Sometimes a case goes to trial because of public sentiment as opposed to solid evidence or they decide to let jurors decide because its iffy. Other times they flat out lie, i can't give examples but have seen it in more than one case. I never take what the pros say as gospel anymore than i do the defense.

Then you look at the ones such as prosecution experts who are just as much hired guns for the prosecution as experts for the defense. They have a vested interest too.

All things being equal each has to be evaluated on their own and strictly keeping to questions of who is to gain, what is the background etc.

They are all liars. Some may do so clothed in the robes of justice and others in the clothes of the defense but each and every one has their own point of view that colors their statements. Liars may be strong, but i don't trust any out of the box.

 

[matou]

Stewart Moore @StewartMooreWest: knock-knock, who's there. George Zimmerman. George Zimmerman who? You're on the jury.

 

[alwaysonmymind]

And with knock-knock jokes.....

Seriously??

 

[JodyMT]

Zimmerman's attorney is not starting out very well at all.

 

[alwaysonmymind]

And with knock-knock jokes....

Seriously?

 

[oyeyemi808]

I'm confused by DT opening line Wow! then he follows with a "knock knock" joke!

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[Hopeful One]

Rough start for the defense.... Awkward.

 

[corundogs]

This seems very unorganized...and rambling? Is it just me?

 

[thefragile7393]

Yes, prosecutors lie too.

Burden of proof is almost always on the state's end, which makes it harder for this to happen.

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[SieSie]

Watching livestream on Yahoo News - the defense attorney just told a knock-knock joke!! I'm not joking!

Knock Knock...
Who's There?
George Zimmerman...
George Zimmerman who?
Congratulations, you're on the jury (or something like that)

I didn't tape it, or I'd rewind to get the exact "punchline", but it was something along those lines.

 

[SilkySifaka]

can't believe the defense attorney tried to tell a joke. Hope he is better than that or it won't be an equal contest.

 

[claudicici]

...and he continued with a knock knock joke....

 

[kaRN]

I may have to break up with Dr. Horne....

Let me know if and when he's available. LOL!!

 

[SilkySifaka]

The defense starts out the opening by explaining why GZ's parents aren't in the courtroom. WTH?

Its important bc some jurors may feel that even his family isn't supporting him. Just a small layer that might hold against him if not explained.

 

[SieSie]

Does anyone have a link to livestream of the trial? The one I'm using from Yahoo News keeps cutting out, but maybe they all will do that if it's just one feed to different sources.

 

[oyeyemi808]

What was objected to by prosecution? & was sustained?

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[kaRN]

Thanks for the play by play for those of us who can't watch and hear for ourselves.

 

[Hopeful One]

Me thinks George should have picked a different attorney.

 

[Reader]

Kyle Hightower ‏@khightower 1m
Seriously, has a defense atty ever told a knock-knock joke to open a case? Granted he did ask the jury not to hold it against #zimmerman

Kyle Hightower Kyle Hightower ‏@khightower 5m
West showing jury an aerial map of condo complex where shooting took place.

Kyle Hightower Kyle Hightower ‏@khightower 6m
West says #zimmerman shot #TrayvonMartin in self defense.

Kyle Hightower Kyle Hightower ‏@khightower 7m
West: "I think the evidence will show this is a sad case and there are no monsters."

Kyle Hightower Kyle Hightower ‏@khightower 9m
West explaining why #zimmerman parents not allowed in courtroom right now via sequestration rule.

Kyle Hightower Kyle Hightower ‏@khightower 10m
Don West has started.

Kyle Hightower Kyle Hightower ‏@khightower 12m
Sidebar is over. Jury about to come in do defense atty Don West can do opening.

Kyle Hightower Kyle Hightower ‏@khightower 13m
Judge is back in bench and in sidebar with attys.

Kyle Hightower Kyle Hightower ‏@khightower 18m
Jurors aren't only ones with notebooks. Members of packed public gallery have them as well

Kyle Hightower Kyle Hightower ‏@khightower 37m
ICYMI: Judge: Defense can use #Zimmerman statements (from @AP) http://apne.ws/1a6G2u1