If you’re unfamiliar with the topic, I have an elaborately long post about this already.
I keep hearing that people are “demanding justice” for Trayvon Martin. What counts as justice? Let’s do a little thought experiment. Would people be satisfied if George Zimmerman were tried in court and then acquitted? No, I don’t think that would be good enough. What about a sentence of manslaughter, carrying a sentence of a few years? I think there might still be cries of injustice. So, what people mean by “justice” seems to be a murder charge, and a long sentence — decades at least, or life. I am sure that would satisfy most protesters and probably Martin’s family as well.
Now, as I’ve mentioned before, none of us wants to live in a country where we can be put away for decades based on public opinion alone. So, here’s the challenge:
- Gather what evidence you have, and make sure that it is evidence that can be used in court.
- Research existing precedent, especially regarding the “Stand your Ground” form of self-defense which is legal in Florida.
- Use 1 and 2 to prove that Zimmerman was not acting in self-defense.
- Familiarize yourself with the murder charge you would like to put Zimmerman away for.
- Formulate a legal argument for why you believe Zimmerman’s actions satisfy the murder charge you think is appropriate based on 1 and 4.
The only way that Trayvon Martin can get the justice that so many are protesting for (that is, a lengthy sentence and a murder charge for Zimmerman) is if someone makes a strong legal case for it. So, rather than protesting and rather than petitioning online, if you truly just want justice and you believe there is a case, please complete the Trayvon Martin challenge!
