General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: What kind of person would think that Zimmerman had the right to... [View all]krispos42
(49,445 posts)The question to be resolved is:
Did Zimmerman initiate the confrontation, or did Martin?
I've stated before that I believe Zimmerman is guilty of initiating the confrontation and it was Martin that was, in fact, "standing his ground".
Assuming Zimmerman initiated the confrontation, and Martin did not respond with disproportionate force (without an effective purpose-built or improvised weapon or martial arts skills, how could he?), Zimmerman therefore had to no right to use his gun to defend himself.
HOWEVER...
I believe Zimmerman's story is that, after Martin got the better of him in the physical confrontation, Martin at some point noticed the pistol Zimmerman was carrying in his belt holster. Martin then is alleged to have said "you're a dead man" or something of that ilk and grabbed for Zimmerman's gun.
If this is true (or more importantly, if the jury believes it to be true) then Zimmerman getting his gun out and shooting Martin before Martin could seize it and shoot him with it MIGHT turn this into an acceptable self-defense shooting.
This does not alleviate Zimmerman of initiating the confrontation for which a person died, so he is still responsible for Martin's death, IMO. The degree of guilt is up for debate, however.
I have not been following the case since the initial discussion over a year ago, so I am ready to be corrected with updated information.