Hat tip PJ Media
Last night, Judge Debra Nelson turned down a defense request to recess the Zimmerman trial for a few days in light of a recent development that Trayvon Martin's cell phone had allegedly been deleted of numerous messages that suggested he had a violent history. The defense alleges that the state had withheld this information from them. The second page in the below PJMedia link has a 4+ minute video of defense attorney Don West arguing with Nelson, who is unmoved and basically walks out on him.
http://pjmedia.com/blog/disorder-judge-recesses-zimmerman-trial-excludes-damning-evidence/
Since the defense has now rested, it appears that they have at least set the record for an appellate issue should Zimmerman be convicted. (As if they didn't have enough.)
Even more disturbing is the spectacle of the US Justice Department sending one of its sub-units down to Florida to assist in organizing demonstrations demanding that Zimmerman be indicted and that the chief of Sanford Police, Bill Lee, resign or be fired.
http://pjmedia.com/tatler/2013/07/10/newly-released-documents-detail-the-department-of-justices-role-in-organizing-trayvon-martin-protests/
As one who spent nearly 25 years in the DOJ, I find this incredible. Is this a proper role for our Justice Department-to help protesters agitate for the indictment of a private citizen-or the sacking of a local police chief? This is third world banana republic tactics.
Can there be any doubt that when and if Zimmerman is acquitted-as he should be- this Justice Department will charge him with a civil rights violation?
I fear I am watching a genuine railroading taking place here-one that only the jury can stop.
This is inexcusable behavior on the part of the DOJ and its leader, Eric Holder. Does this surprise me? No! The "Radical and Chief" is well versed in the ACORN/Saul Alinsky/Community Organizer/Thugocracy techniques to push his ideological agenda. Now I have an idea what Al Sharpton and Holder cooked up when they met to discuss the Martin situation. Of course, Sheila Jackson Lee (Rep. D Texas) continues to rant on the House floor about "poor Travon" as well as one other Rep. who dawned a hoodie on the House floor to support Travon.
ReplyDeleteTruly, as you say Gary, the U.S. has turned into a banana republic and the Republicans do not have the man fruit to call Holder on this travesty of justice.
Squid,
ReplyDeleteThe other Rep was Booby Rush of Illinois who used to be a Black Panther before he found a home in the Democratic party..
You could make the argument that prior history should not impact this particular case.
ReplyDeleteHowever, the history of the defendant has been relied on by the State. He is being described as a police wannabe. That explains quite a bit for them and is being fully exploited in the State's final address to the jury.
Nevertheless, this inexcusable deletion of material on the victim's cell phone has been kept from the jury. His suspension record from school for possessing a burglary tool, unexplained women's jewelry, and drug use has been excluded. That explains why Zimmerman thought he was a thief and "high on drugs or something." This is not to mention how Trayvon Martin self describes himself on Facebook. (Look it up)
It is categorically unfair to go into the background one of the parties and not the other.
.
Travon Martin's testimony wouldn't have changed anything.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.foxnews.com/opinion/2013/07/10/trayvon-martin-testimony-wouldnt-have-changed-anything-in-zimmerman-trial/
Watching the prosecution summary now.
ReplyDeleteThe roles seem to be reversed. The prosecution USUALLY has a theory of the case and evidence to back it up. The defense usually points out inconsistencies and doubts on the prosecution case. Remember the OJ case? This is the exact opposite.
The prosecution is pointing out inconsistencies (trivial and explainable) and absence of evidence they presume would be there but, in our judicial system, the burden of proof is on the prosecution!
I hope the defense points this out.