George zimmerman excessive charge: second degree murder not manslaughter? why?

Both J and Hannah are correct. I think that we can agree that George Zimmerman had already profiled Trayvon Martin based on his colorful dialogue with the 911 dispatcher. I think that we can also agree that it came out clearly that the 911 dispatcher advised George Zimmerman to refrain from pursuing Martin.

I think that we can also agree that George Zimmerman claimed to be a Neighborhood Watch Coordinator. On Page 3 of the Sanford Florida Police Department’s NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH HANDBOOK, it clearly states: You will add your “eyes and ears” to those of the Police Department which cannot be everywhere, all the time, by keeping a watchful eye and open ear to what is happening in your neighborhood. You will extend their ability to provide security by reporting anything unusual or suspicious, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, so they can follow up on your leads.

What you will not do is get physically involved with any activity you report or apprehension of any suspicious persons. This is the job of the law enforcement agency. http://www.scribd.com/doc/87073326/NWPro... Furthermore, this excerpt comes from the National Sheriff's Association Statement on George Zimmerman which was turned over to the attorney’s handling the case: The purpose of the Neighborhood Watch Program is to enable citizens to act as the “eyes and ears” within their community and alert law enforcement immediately when they notice suspicious activity.

However, the Neighborhood Watch Program does not in any way, shape, or form advocate citizens to take the law in their own hands. "The alleged action of a “self-appointed neighborhood watchman” last month in Sanford, FL significantly contradicts the principles of the Neighborhood Watch Program,” stated NSA Executive Director Aaron D. Kennard, Sheriff (ret.).

“NSA has no information indicating the community where the incident occurred has ever even registered with the NSA Neighborhood Watch program. The Neighborhood Watch Program fosters collaboration and cooperation with the community and local law enforcement by encouraging citizens to be aware of what is going on in their communities and contact law enforcement if they suspect something – NOT take the law in their own hands,” continued Executive Director Kennard. The alleged participant ignored everything the Neighborhood Watch Program stands for and it resulted in a young man losing his life.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of Trayvon Martin during this terrible time. If I were on the jury, I would have a very hard time acquitting George Zimmerman on self-defense when he intentionally put himself in harm’s way. I would have gone with manslaughter because his profiling and ignorance of the rules of Neighborhood Watch led to his minor head wounds and the death of a man that the police should have confronted – not him.

I cannot say that he was not legally justified in using his gun however I can say that it is likely that he would not have had to if A) He did not pursue Martin and B) Would he have pursued Martin if he did not have a gun. In other words, did the gun gun give him a sense of security that he might not have had otherwise. He placed himself in the life and death situation.

Side note to ChevalierCourageux: They don’t give out the Congressional Medal of Honor to a vigilantes who act with callous disregard. What would have happened if Zimmerman accidentally missed Trayvon Martin with his shot and killed an innocent child? Would he still be worthy of the Congressional Medal of Honor?

I am a member of our neighborhood watch. We are told to report anything suspicious to the Police and stay out of it. That's what the Police told Zimmerman but he took it upon himself to confront Trayvon.

Therefore he should be held responsible for what happened.

I cant really gove you an answer,but what I can give you is a way to a solution, that is you have to find the anglde that you relate to or peaks your interest. A good paper is one that people get drawn into because it reaches them ln some way.As for me WW11 to me, I think of the holocaust and the effect it had on the survivors, their families and those who stood by and did nothing until it was too late.