Additionally, according to the article, the judge said disclosing Zimmerman’s statements to police detectives would not jeopardize his ability to get a fair trial. Further, the judge ruled that tests given to Zimmerman after the shooting could be released, as well as some crime scene photos and Zimmerman’s recorded telephone calls from jail.
Where do I begin? The United States Constitution guarantees the accused the right to, among other things, a fair and impartial jury. This judge’s ruling allows key elements to the case, including Zimmerman’s statement to police, crime scene photographs, and Zimmerman’s recorded telephone calls from jail to be released to the press. Among other things, this allows the potential jury pool that will sit in judgment of Zimmerman to view key evidence of the case before it can be argued in court. Potentially this information can be splashed all over newspapers and be argued by so-called experts on TV talk shows again before a trial even begins.
I note also that the article stated that both the prosecution and the defense attorneys argued against the release of this information. Ironic that both opposing counsels argued against it but the judge ruled in favor of the news media who wants to have it. Is it just me that thinks this ruling says that the rights of the news media trumps those of the defendant who is on trial.
At least the judge ruled against releasing the identities of the witnesses in the case who have not yet been identified. Can you imagine the circus that would have ensued if he hadn’t? You would have had news agencies parked out in front of their houses and knocking on their homes or workplaces just to get an exclusive interview.
I am not arguing the guilt or innocence of George Zimmerman here. That should be done in a court of law with all the evidence presented before a jury of his peers. What I am saying is that this latest ruling by a Circuit Court judge in Florida troubles me greatly in regards to Mr. Zimmerman chances of getting a fair and impartial jury.
