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

[mota bhai 2,675]

If you start the confrontation, you can't claim self defense.

Is that true?

[Harsh_77 718]

According to folks here, there is nothing wrong following someone at night in a vehicle. Just like it's completely ok to call the cops on a person because they happen to be walking home from the store at night.

Heres something to think - If one is scared of being followed do they call 911 or call GF?

[I AM NOT THAT GUY 5,715]

If you start the confrontation, you can't claim self defense.

You can. If you start a fist fight and your opponent pulls a knife then comes after you, so you pull your gun and shoot him, that could be self-defense.

[We Keep Receipts 9,238]

There is a possibility that GZ is actually a pretty good guy. He might just be a guy who tries to watch out for his neighbors. Maybe he's not a guy looking to shoot a thug. Maybe he's just trying to do the right thing and call the cops instead of confronting somebody. Maybe he never intended to have a confrontation; maybe he just wanted to know where TM went so he could tell the cops.

BUT, the really good guy argument is hurt when GZ lied to the judge about being able to post bond. Good guys aren't usually liars.

Here's the problem with this theory. If you listen to the 911 call, you can hear him talking about these a-holes always get away. He had his mind made up about TM from the second he saw him. Also, he didn't need to get out of his car to see which way he went, he could have done that from inside. AND, he actually said he was following him. That's the hang up.

Maybe this is just the way I see things but in order for me to call the cops, there has to be no doubt I can't deal with the situation myself properly. If I am calling 911, what's the point of trying to confront you?

[Penny Lane 8,159]

We know one thing: If he had just stayed in his car, M would be alive, and Z would not be going to trial for murder.

Staying in his car and calling the cops is the reasonable thing to do. Absolutely. Even if the reasoning for calling the cops is silly, call the people who are supposed to be handling things like this and let them deal with it.

There's no logical reason for Zimmerman to have ever, ever followed Martin on foot and questioned him.

What logically thinking person starts following and questioning someone they've already admitted is "suspicious"?

Still can't wrap my mind around why this whole thing happened.

[We Keep Receipts 9,238]

Heres something to think - If one is scared of being followed do they call 911 or call GF?

Check the history, he was already on the phone with her before this happened. And he was walking away from GZ while on the phone with her. But being on the phone with his GF is as some would say legal.

[Penny Lane 8,159]

I know that if I'm on the phone, and some weirdo starts following me, I'm staying on the phone and relaying the info to the person I'm talking to. Seems like a logical decision to me.

[GandD 5,966]

I know that if I'm on the phone, and some weirdo starts following me, I'm staying on the phone and relaying the info to the person I'm talking to. Seems like a logical decision to me.

Same

[We Keep Receipts 9,238]

I know that if I'm on the phone, and some weirdo starts following me, I'm staying on the phone and relaying the info to the person I'm talking to. Seems like a logical decision to me.

You're overreacting Ev, the guy following you is completely within his rights to start stalking you. If you go on the defense in fear for you life, it's your fault if you end up dead.

[mota bhai 2,675]

If someone follows me, I'm gonna freeze in place and hope he thinks I'm a mannequin.

[GandD 5,966]

You're overreacting Ev, the guy following you is completely within his rights to start stalking you. If you go on the offense in fear for you life, it's your fault if you end up dead.

I fix for you

[Teddy B 17,252]

If someone follows me, I'm gonna freeze in place and hope he thinks I'm a mannequin.

I'm gonna make myself small.

[GandD 5,966]

Careful, this thread is closely monitored for the slightest off topic discussion.

[Penny Lane 8,159]

I fix for you

Is it offense if I feel I'm doing it to defend myself?

[mota bhai 2,675]

I'm gonna make myself small.

Shrinkage is a fine strategy but it only works when it's cold.