re: #153 Targetpractice

Not to the point of disregarding the other side’s actions. If Zimmerman had ceased pursuit, had begun to return to his vehicle, Martin had no reason to confront him. At least no rational ones.

No, it doesn’t, because that’s not legally relevant. What’s legally relevant is that no evidence released so far (and yes, more is coming if the state doesn’t have it sealed) contradicts Zimmerman’s version of events prior to the scuffle beginning.

We’re not talking in purely legal terms here. There’s a moral dimension that dominates these conversation, whether people want to admit it or not. You may be right that under the law he will walk. But we don’t know all the evidence, and the FL law is murky and bizarre on this issue.

But there’s also a question of responsible, moral, intelligent behavior. Zim flunks on all three counts. That’s why it’s impossible for me to see Zim as hero or victim. He instigated it, he was packing heat, following a kid for no reason except that in his mind he imagined something suspicious. We know he was wrong, since the kid was walking home with stuff from 7-11. We don’t need vigilantes, and we sure as hell don’t need to glorify them, as much of the right is currently doing.