State pushes to keep Trayvon Martin's past out of George Zimmerman trial

[lostinblue 1,989]

State pushes to keep Trayvon Martin's past out of George Zimmerman trial State files motion to keep defense from using Martin's school records, texts, social media

ORLANDO, Fla. -

State prosecutors in the case against George Zimmerman are pushing to keep Zimmerman's attorneys from bringing testimony about Trayvon Martin's past during the trial.

The state said in motions filed on Friday they want to prevent Zimmerman's attorneys from bringing up Martin's personal life, including his school records, previous suspension from school, fights, text messages sent prior to his death unless related to case and his social media use.

The motion also says the state wants to prevent the defense from using Martin's toxicology report, which showed the level of marijuana in Martin's blood the night he was shot and killed.

The state's filings suggest they fear the defense may try to attack Martin's character, instead of focusing on whether Zimmerman murdered Martin. Assistant prosecutor Bernie de la Rionda argued that Martin's past is irrelevant and would clearly be designed only to prejudice the jury.

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The state filing the motion doesn't mean the defense was trying to use it at the trial and often similar motions are filed as a precaution to give the judge an opportunity to tell both sides what they should not reference or introduce unless later ruled relevant and admissible.

[READ: Notice of hearing | Motion to allow expert testimony | Redacted motion to allow additional witness]

Zimmerman's attorney, Mark O'Mara also filed motions discussing what they will discuss at the next hearing, which is set for May 28. Among the motions were a motion to allow additional witnesses and to allow expert testimony by video at the hearing.

Zimmerman is charged with second-degree murder after shooting and killing Martin in Sanford in February 2012.

Jury selection is slated to begin on June 10.

http://www.clickorlando.com/news/state-pushes-to-keep-trayvon-martins-past-out-of-george-zimmerman-trial/-/1637132/20121540/-/v0sxit/-/index.html

[one...two...tree 2,762]

no doubt the Kenyan is working his voodoo magic behind the scenes to try and paint treyvon as something other than the lowlife thug he really was.

[Mr. Big Dog 10,747]

Man, the prosecution is acting like it's Zimmerman that's on trial. That's just nuts.

[one...two...tree 2,762]

Man, the prosecution is acting like it's Zimmerman that's on trial. That's just nuts.

Zimmerman is a real American hero. something you anti-American, diversity loving libs just don't get.

[SMR 368]

It seems to me that Martin's past is relevant. Last I heard, Zimmerman's defense centers around the claim that Martin attacked him.

If Martin was Mother Theresa, that claim is much harder to make. On the other hand, if he was constantly getting into fights, regularly suspended from school, and high on pot at the time, I think that would be very relevant to determining whether or not he was likely to attack Zimmerman.

Edited May 14, 2013 by SMR

[lostinblue 1,989]

Perhaps it will show that he was a die hard stoner who often supported his habit in the middle of the night.... Would not doubt he bragged on twitter about his scores.

[one...two...tree 2,762]

It seems to me that Martin's past is relevant. Last I heard, Zimmerman's defense centers around the claim that Martin attacked him.

If Martin was Mother Theresa, that claim is much harder to make. On the other hand, if he was constantly getting into fights, regularly suspended from school, and high on pot at the time, I think that would be very relevant to determining whether or not he was likely to attack Zimmerman.

I agree. Just like when a woman claims she was a victim of rape, it's relevant to look at how much of ####### she was beforehand.

[Karee 4,191]

I agree. Just like when a woman claims she was a victim of rape, it's relevant to look at how much of ####### she was beforehand.

Kinda apples and oranges don't you think? What if a woman had a history of making false rape claims? Would that be relevant?

[one...two...tree 2,762]

Kinda apples and oranges don't you think? What if a woman had a history of making false rape claims? Would that be relevant?

It's comparable because the victim's character is put into question. It's am effective strategy that has been used many times in rape cases - discrediting the alleged victim.

[Karee 4,191]

It's comparable because the victim's character is put into question. It's am effective strategy that has been used many times in rape cases - discrediting the alleged victim.

Right, but if the rape victim had a history of filing false rape claims, wouldn't that be relevant?

[Penny Lane 8,159]

Perhaps it will show that he was a die hard stoner who often supported his habit in the middle of the night.... Would not doubt he bragged on twitter about his scores.

You'd love that, wouldn't you?

[We Keep Receipts 9,238]

It seems to me that Martin's past is relevant. Last I heard, Zimmerman's defense centers around the claim that Martin attacked him.

If Martin was Mother Theresa, that claim is much harder to make. On the other hand, if he was constantly getting into fights, regularly suspended from school, and high on pot at the time, I think that would be very relevant to determining whether or not he was likely to attack Zimmerman.

It's not revelant because the question everyone loves to avoid is, what was he doing that night? And why is everyone so quick to point out that Trayvon is the aggressor, when George has had two domestic violence issues and resisting arrest plus shoving a police officer?

[SMR 368]

I agree. Just like when a woman claims she was a victim of rape, it's relevant to look at how much of ####### she was beforehand.

When there are conflicting versions of events, you have to look at the people involved and make a best judgment as to what the truth is. Past history of the people is usually relevant when making that judgment. People often don't change that much.

As was said, if a woman has a history of making false claims, that's relevant.

[one...two...tree 2,762]

Right, but if the rape victim had a history of filing false rape claims, wouldn't that be relevant?

Sure. I agree it is relevant to a point and to what context. For example, if you accused me of stealing your wallet, bringing my first grade teacher in as a character witness to tell about the time I stole candy from the candy jar would be a stretch.

GZ's character is also relevant to the extent of how he has treated people and confrontations in the past.

[Karee 4,191]

It's not revelant because the question everyone loves to avoid is, what was he doing that night? And why is everyone so quick to point out that Trayvon is the aggressor, when George has had two domestic violence issues and resisting arrest plus shoving a police officer?

So it's ok to bring up the past of GZ, but not TM?