Impact of Zimmerman verdict

[Just Saying]

As the trial of George Zimmerman for killing Trayvon Martin gets underway, I've been wondering what the impact of the verdict will be on the law and attitudes across the country.

If he's found not guilty, will it promote vigilantes? Or will the laws in Florida (and elsewhere) be examined to discourage it happening again?

How do you feel about your neighbors being armed and playing cop? Would you feel more or less safe if this was happening in your neighborhood?

If he's found guilty, what impact (if any) would that have on "Stand Your Ground" or gun laws in Florida?

[JustAnotherGen]

1. I think we should wait and see

We won't know until we know. Anything else is speculation.

[Nimajneb Nilknarf]

2. While obviously premature I think there will be an impact on credibility of the so-called news media

There are two conflicting narratives in this story that cannot both be completely truthful. While both may contain elements of truth, one or the other is going to be proven largely false once a verdict is rendered.

Of course there will be people who cling to the false narrative even after the smoke of the trial clears. That's where conspiracy theories and people who make their living by promoting feelings of persecution come in. The people who won't see the truth are probably unreachable.

In the larger middle ground, people's eyes will be opened to the unmasking of organized, deliberate demagoguery that is driven solely by profit motive. Many people will be properly outraged.

[Just Saying]

5. Difficult to get to the truth when one person involved is dead

And the other on trial for his murder.

It seems like you're speaking in code instead of just saying what you want to say. Why do you believe people don't know the truth? What do you believe is the "false narrative"?

I agree the media hypes up some cases but that doesn't mean a crime wasn't committed.

[Lurks Often]

6. It also doesn't mean a crime WAS committed either,

On edit: The media more then hyped the case, they intentionally misrepresented things by using a picture of Martin at age 12 (or 14, I'm doing this from memory) when the story came on the news, instead of using one that showed him at age 17.

I think it was the intentional attempt to make Martin look much younger then how old he actually was at the time of the shooting that made me start questioning the media reporting in this case.*


*I recognize in chronological terms 3 or 5 years isn't very much time as applied to adults, but the changes in people from 12 to 17 or from 14 to 17 is usually both significant and noticeable.

[Just Saying]

8. I think that was his point

Although hard to say with all the "demagoguery" and "narratives" being thrown around.

[Lurks Often]

11. Agreed and I may have read more into your OP then was actually there.

For whatever reason, your OP came across to me as you have already made up your mind about the trial. If that is not the case, then I apologize.

[uppityperson]

13. Let's see if I can break it down for you.

While obviously premature I think there will be an impact on credibility of the so-called news media

It is too soon to predict but people will distrust the news media more after the trial.

There are two conflicting narratives in this story that cannot both be completely truthful. While both may contain elements of truth, one or the other is going to be proven largely false once a verdict is rendered.

Someone is lying. Once the verdict is given, it should be obvious who.

Of course there will be people who cling to the false narrative even after the smoke of the trial clears. That's where conspiracy theories and people who make their living by promoting feelings of persecution come in. The people who won't see the truth are probably unreachable.

There are always conspiracy theorists who will always believe their theories.

In the larger middle ground, people's eyes will be opened to the unmasking of organized, deliberate demagoguery that is driven solely by profit motive. Many people will be properly outraged.

People will see how much news media is there to NOT report the news but to make money and they will be pissed.

[Nimajneb Nilknarf]

12. There are basically two mutually exclusive narratives. I make no claim to know which is closer to

Last edited Mon Jun 24, 2013, 03:32 PM - Edit history (1)

the real truth. The are in essence:

1. George Zimmerman pursued, attacked, and killed Trayvon Martin with malice aforethought, and

2. Trayvon Martin was not being threatened but attacked George Zimmerman, who shot Martin in self-defense.

The former is obviously the state's claim, the latter that of the defense. Both stories cannot be completely true.

ETA I see some possibility that elements of both narratives are true. For example, Martin may have felt threatened by whatever Zimmerman was doing just prior to the physical struggle. The trial should answer that question. I hope it does.

[jmg257]

3. I don't think there will be much of an impact at all, except for typical

affects on those immediately involved.

I

[WVU]

15. I'm inclined to agree.

I doubt that there will be any profound affect from either outcome.

[Lurks Often]

4. A lot of people both here on DU and across the country made up their mind

about what happened based on short news clips or some paragraphs in a newspaper.

Now we will have a televised trial where the real evidence will be presented. The big question is will people be able to say "I was wrong about what happened" when the trial is over and the verdict delivered.

[Just Saying]

7. And some people made up their minds

Doing research and looking at the evidence that's been released. What does it matter as none of them will be sitting on the jury?

I doubt people will say they are wrong about what happened as we'll probably never know for certain.

[cheyanne]

9. Our judicial system is on review at this trial (as all others).

The question that we should be asking of ourselves and others is:

WAS THIS A FAIR TRIAL?

We must remember that this trial is not about social/political issues that can and should be addressed elsewhere in our society. This trial is about whether the defendant is guilty of murder two under the laws of Florida and the US. This is a particular crime of two people at a particular time and place. And the defendant is innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. this puts the burden of proof on the prosecution.

If we can look at the trial in this manner, we can direct our energies to changing the laws if we choose.

[HappyMe]

10. Even without the verdict I can

honestly say that George Zimmerman vigilante asshats do NOT make me feel safer. I'm lucky enough to live in a state where this sort of thing isn't allowed.
Unfortunately, I don't expect a guilty verdict to change any gun laws or SYG in FL.

[Archae]

14. This trial will *NOT* be the end of it, either.

Especially if Zimmermann is found guilty.

Appeals will go on for decades to come.

Not to mention civil lawsuits.

Just look at OJ.

[drhobo]

16. if found not guilty, protection frm civil suits is likely

A self defense ruling would shield zimmerman from civil action.

[Archae]

17. OJ was found not guilty, but in a civil trial he was found guilty.