Topic: Trayvon Martin

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George Zimmerman trial: 5 poignant moments

The jury is set to begin deliberations on whether George Zimmerman committed murder when he shot an unarmed black teenager, Trayvon Martin, on Feb. 26, 2012, in Sanford, Fla., or whether it was an act of self-defense. Here are five moments stand out from the trial.

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Stand Your Ground protesters meet with Florida governor

Stand Your Ground protest: Gov. Scott met with seven protesters, part of a group into its third day of a sit-in at Scott's office. They discussed racial profiling, stand your ground legislation, and more.
Feds target 'stand your ground' laws, but what can they do?

Neither Congress nor the executive branch can force states to change their laws, and courts have been skeptical about attempts to strike down stand your ground legislation. At least one juror has said this law was a key factor in the George Zimmerman verdict.
Why Zimmerman verdict might not roll back 'stand your ground' laws (+video)

The US attorney general, Juror B37, and even Stevie Wonder express reservations about self-defense laws like Florida's 'stand your ground' statute, a factor in the George Zimmerman trial. What's the likelihood such laws will be reconsidered?
The Monitor's View Why Holder's probe of 'stand your ground' laws stands out

US Attorney General Eric Holder said after the George Zimmerman verdict that Justice will take a 'hard look' at the many 'stand your ground' state laws, such as Florida's. Such laws need challenging as they reverse history's path away from killing.
Zimmerman trial verdict: L.A. protesters struggle to stamp out violence (+video)

L.A. officials and leaders of the demonstrations against the not-guilty verdict in the Zimmerman trial were united Tuesday in warning the violence would undercut the protesters' desired message.
USA Update Juror B37: 'Race did not play a role' in Zimmerman trial. Protesters disagree. (+video)

Juror B37 says race was not considered in the decision to acquit George Zimmerman. In a sign of a big disconnect, though, many Americans see race as an unavoidable factor in the outcome for Trayvon Martin.
Decoder Wire Will George Zimmerman now face federal charges? (+video)

The Justice Department is reviewing the evidence to see if there is a basis for civil rights charges against George Zimmerman. Such a case would have to prove that Zimmerman shot and killed Trayvon Martin primarily due to race.
President Obama: 'The death of Trayvon Martin was a tragedy for America'

George Zimmerman was found not guilty in the shooting death of black teenager Trayvon Martin. In a statement Sunday, President Obama said, 'I now ask every American to respect the call for calm reflection from two parents who lost their young son.'
George Zimmerman 'not guilty' verdict: Legal fight could continue

George Zimmerman has been found not guilty in the shooting death of teenager Trayvon Martin. But the US Justice Department may pursue the case under civil rights law, and Trayvon's parents are considering whether or not to file wrongful death civil charges against Zimmerman.
Zimmerman not guilty: Victory for new kind of civil rights era?

Persecution of lawful gun owners is the new civil rights battle, many Americans claim. George Zimmerman just became their icon.
George Zimmerman verdict: 'Not guilty' in death of Trayvon Martin

After 17 months, the case of George Zimmerman – charged with shooting unarmed teenager Trayvon Martin – came to a close Saturday night when a jury of six women found Zimmerman not guilty of all charges. The case came to be seen as a parable involving civil rights, racial profiling, racism, gun rights, and the changing definitions of self-defense in public places.
George Zimmerman trial: Six women weigh a silent man’s future

The George Zimmerman jury has resumed deliberations in Sanford, Fla. Six women have an unenviable task: Measure justice in the case of a neighborhood watch captain who kills an unarmed teenager.
Police in Florida warn against riots in wake of a George Zimmerman verdict

As jurors in the George Zimmerman trial began deliberations Friday, officials warn against post-verdict violence and take precautions to stem it. Are conditions ripe for racial unrest? At least one expert doubts it.
Weighty words, charged atmosphere as Zimmerman trial rests with jury

Lawyers' closing arguments in the George Zimmerman trial invoked the Founding Fathers and Martin Luther King Jr. – portentous words for a high-stakes case. Jurors began deliberations Friday afternoon.
Zimmerman trial: For jury, anguished task to resolve death of Trayvon Martin

The Zimmerman trial testimony is complicated and hard evidence scant, but the jury’s choices are basic: Is Zimmerman responsible for the death of a teenager? Or was it precipitated by Trayvon’s own actions?
How prosecutors portrayed Zimmerman as a predator

In closing arguments presented to an all-female jury in Florida Thursday, prosecutors in the Trayvon Martin case accused George Zimmerman of profiling the black teenager and lying about the events leading up to his death.
George Zimmerman trial: 5 poignant moments

The jury is set to begin deliberations on whether George Zimmerman committed murder when he shot an unarmed black teenager, Trayvon Martin, on Feb. 26, 2012, in Sanford, Fla., or whether it was an act of self-defense. Here are five moments stand out from the trial.
George Zimmerman trial: Jury can consider lesser charge of manslaughter (+video)

The judge in the George Zimmerman murder trial will give the jury the option of convicting him of a lesser charge, despite objections from the defense. Some legal analysts say prosecutors were not confident of their case for second-degree murder in the Trayvon Martin shooting.
Zimmerman trial: Did wall-to-wall media coverage inform, or entertain?

While some say the extensive media coverage of the George Zimmerman trial provided a civics lesson to the US public, others saw a play for ratings that did little to address key issues in the case.
Trayvon Martin as pot smoker: What Zimmerman defense stands to gain

The judge overseeing the George Zimmerman trial has ruled that the defense can discuss how marijuana use might have affected Trayvon Martin on the night of his fatal encounter with the defendant. The strategy serves several purposes.
George Zimmerman prosecution leaves jury to untangle lies and justification

The State of Florida rested its case Friday against George Zimmerman, on trial for killing unarmed teenager Trayvon Martin last year. The state faces long odds in winning a conviction.
Trayvon Martin case: As prosecution rests, saga captivates Americans

Florida prosecutors on Friday finished laying out their case against George Zimmerman, who faces second-degree murder charges in the fatal shooting of teenager Trayvon Martin. Why is this particular trial so riveting for so many?
Trayvon Martin's mom: It was my son screaming (+video)

Day 19 of the George Zimmerman murder trial began emotionally, with Trayvon Martin's mom, Sybrina Fulton, taking the stand to say the person screaming on a recorded 911 call was 'Trayvon Benjamin Martin.'
Trayvon Martin case: Zimmerman studied self-defense law, witness says (+video)

A college professor testified Wednesday that George Zimmerman learned in his criminal justice class about Florida's self-defense law. Why prosecutors in the Trayvon Martin shooting are keen to establish that.
USA Update Trayvon Martin case: Doctor waves off Zimmerman injuries as 'so minor'

A doctor, testifying Tuesday for the prosecution, played down the injuries that defendant George Zimmerman sustained during a fight with slain teen Trayvon Martin. Prosecutors are working to undermine Zimmerman's self-defense claim.