Zimmerman interview with Fox

DOC44 · 07-18-2012, 20:31

Zimmerman 'sorry' for Trayvon killing, prays for his parents

was this a good thing or a bad thing for him to do?

http://content.usatoday.com/communit...nity-tonight/1

Doc44

JFrame · 07-19-2012, 05:39

I guess maybe he and his lawyer figured that nothing could hurt him any worse in the court of public opinion at this point.

FWIW, I thought his presentation during the interview came across reasonable. Nothing in his narrative struck me as a "hold on there" moment.

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**DustyJacket** · 07-19-2012, 05:47

he should keep his mouth shut until after the trial.

When he says he wishes there was anything he could have done (to prevent the shooting) he opens the door to accusations that he could have stayed in his car until the police arrived. And more......

This interview will be quoted in the trial, by the prosecution. Depend on it.

JFrame · 07-19-2012, 05:55

Quote:

Originally Posted by DustyJacket

he should keep his mouth shut until after the trial.

When he says he wishes there was anything he could have done (to prevent the shooting) he opens the door to accusations that he could have stayed in his car until the police arrived. And more......

This interview will be quoted in the trial, by the prosecution. Depend on it.

Good point...

I wonder how his attorney felt about it?

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***fx77*** · 07-19-2012, 05:57

Say nothing..people feel If I could just explain....never helps.

sheriff733 · 07-19-2012, 06:05

Nothing he said is going to hurt him in the trial. Everyone keeps saying its not smart to give this interview, but he didn't reveal anything we didn't already know nor did he deviate from the story I've heard him give over and over, aside from taking this opportunity to reveal his remorse over the incident.

Personally, I think his interview was a positive thing to do. It sure can't hurt his odds in maybe swaying some his way in public opinion.

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Bren · 07-19-2012, 06:16

Quote:

Originally Posted by JFrame

I guess maybe he and his lawyer figured that nothing could hurt him any worse in the court of public opinion at this point.

FWIW, I thought his presentation during the interview came across reasonable. Nothing in his narrative struck me as a "hold on there" moment.

.

That would be my thought. Even in the courtroom, when the prosecutor's tactic is to demonize the defendant, the defense tactic is usually to let people get to know him or feel like they do.

Guss · 07-19-2012, 06:16

You can't always pick your battleground, since the enemy also has some say in that matter. They've been playing a dirty game with Zimmerman hoping if they sway enough minds, they will draw a jury with predispositions. While speaking out prior to a trial is unusual, Zimmerman has to take this unusual step to fight the special circumstances he is up against.

Speaking out has importance beyond the courtroom, because when he is finally released, he has to face a world where people literally want to kill him. He needs to turn that opinion around, and that could ultimately be more important than his trial.

**DustyJacket** · 07-19-2012, 06:40

Quote:

Originally Posted by sheriff733

It sure can't hurt his odds in maybe swaying some his way in public opinion.

Actually, it tainted the jury pool.

In this case, it might be a good thing, opening the door to a change in venue, since the media blitz has him already convicted in many minds.

sheriff733 · 07-19-2012, 06:54

Quote:

Originally Posted by DustyJacket

Actually, it tainted the jury pool.

In this case, it might be a good thing, opening the door to a change in venue, since the media blitz has him already convicted in many minds.

That's what I mean. The jury pool is already quite tainted. I don't see there being any damage to his case because of his interview last night though.

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JBnTX · 07-19-2012, 07:00

Zimmerman is being tried in the court of public opinion.
He may as well tell his side of the story.

He needs to go on every TV talk show possible and tell what happened.

He needs to make sure that every person in America has not only heard about his story, but has already formed an opinion on it.

He needs to muddy the water as much as possible.

..

sbhaven · 07-19-2012, 07:21

There were several points during the interview where I said out loud, "that's what a lawyer would say" as Zimmerman was responding to Hannity. In fact I rolled my eyes when he would first look at Hannity then look straight at the camera at the key moment to give his heart felt statement. Zimmerman may truly believe in what he said but at times I thought it came across as coached and fake.

Like others have said, the prosecution will pick this apart. They will also probably want the full tape to review not just the parts that were aired last night just in case there are parts that were not aired last night.

The interview was directed at the potential jury pool. It was not going to change any minds of his defenders or those who think he's guilty.

sheriff733 · 07-19-2012, 08:19

Quote:

Originally Posted by JBnTX

Zimmerman is being tried in the court of public opinion.
He may as well tell his side of the story.

He needs to go on every TV talk show possible and tell what happened.

He needs to make sure that every person in America has not only heard about his story, but has already formed an opinion on it.

He needs to muddy the water as much as possible.

..

This.

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**Cavalry Doc** · 07-19-2012, 09:50

Don't know if this will be good or bad for him, but my personal rule is that all interaction with the press is either neutral or bad, no good will come of it.

Ian Moone · 07-19-2012, 10:16

I'm no lawyer ...but it is a way for Zimmerman to testify without having to worry about cross-examination. If prosecution wants to introduce bits and pieces, the defense can just bring in the whole interview.

countrygun · 07-19-2012, 10:37

Quote:

Originally Posted by sbhaven

There were several points during the interview where I said out loud, "that's what a lawyer would say" as Zimmerman was responding to Hannity. In fact I rolled my eyes when he would first look at Hannity then look straight at the camera at the key moment to give his heart felt statement. Zimmerman may truly believe in what he said but at times I thought it came across as coached and fake.

Like others have said, the prosecution will pick this apart. They will also probably want the full tape to review not just the parts that were aired last night just in case there are parts that were not aired last night.

The interview was directed at the potential jury pool. It was not going to change any minds of his defenders or those who think he's guilty.

I think they may have problems with trying to subpeona the entire recording since it was not a sworn deposition. A Court could rule that it's "probative value" is as a broadcast statement (hence limiting the prosecution to the broadcast portion) rather than a "conversation".

I find it odd that I have heard nothing of the prosecution moving on a subpeona for the recordings yet

DOC44 · 07-19-2012, 10:40

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ian Moone

I'm no lawyer ...but it is a way for Zimmerman to testify without having to worry about cross-examination. If prosecution wants to introduce bits and pieces, the defense can just bring in the whole interview.

Prosecution has just now announced that they are placing the interview in evidence.

Doc44

countrygun · 07-19-2012, 10:45

Quote:

Originally Posted by DOC44

Prosecution has just now announced that they are placing the interview in evidence.

Doc44

Excellent!

are they doing it as broadcast or attempting to get "any and all" recordings?

DOC44 · 07-19-2012, 10:51

Quote:

Originally Posted by countrygun

Excellent!

are they doing it as broadcast or attempting to get "any and all" recordings?

Only just now heard it on FOX.... no details... maybe all FOX has left that has not been purged, burned, or eaten by their dog is the aired interview.... wonder if they will try to edit and alter it.

Doc44

countrygun · 07-19-2012, 10:55

Quote:

Originally Posted by DOC44

Only just now heard it on FOX.... no details... maybe all FOX has left that has not been purged, burned, or eaten by their dog is the aired interview.... wonder if they will try to edit and alter it.

Doc44

I had the same question about the "extra" footage.

"OOPS, we recorded the O'Reilly report over it, sorry "

JFrame · 07-19-2012, 10:57

Quote:

Originally Posted by DOC44

Only just now heard it on FOX.... no details... maybe all FOX has left that has not been purged, burned, or eaten by their dog is the aired interview.... wonder if they will try to edit and alter it.

Doc44

As far as I can tell, Zimmerman looks pretty much healed at this point, so they won't have to fuzz out any bloody wounds.

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ModGlock17 · 07-19-2012, 11:35

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ian Moone

I'm no lawyer ...but it is a way for Zimmerman to testify without having to worry about cross-examination. If prosecution wants to introduce bits and pieces, the defense can just bring in the whole interview.

+1

Exactly. This is testifying without cross-examination, best done before trial start.

In addition, they've been destroying him by releasing bits and pieces of dirt that may never get admitted into court proceeding. He can't just turn away and be quiet.

In jury deliberation, 40min+ video of him here is very effective in saying "I am not a murderer, a racist, or a vigilante. I've been crucified by the media."

But the Gov't may feel that it really has no choice. A Prerequisition for riots by people rooted in the oldest continent is that they can point to a justice system that doesn't favor them. It has to be shown that EVEN when the system favors them, they'd still lose. Then if civil disobedience occurs, it will lack the support of half way reasonable portion of their people. Then, you can stomp it hard. I don't agree with that method, but I think that is what FL is trying to do.

cowboy1964 · 07-19-2012, 12:27

Quote:

Originally Posted by sheriff733

Nothing he said is going to hurt him in the trial. Everyone keeps saying its not smart to give this interview, but he didn't reveal anything we didn't already know nor did he deviate from the story I've heard him give over and over, aside from taking this opportunity to reveal his remorse over the incident.

Personally, I think his interview was a positive thing to do. It sure can't hurt his odds in maybe swaying some his way in public opinion.

"Public opinion" has no place in the courtroom. In fact, anyone admitting viewing this "interview" will likely be disqualified from being a juror.

countrygun · 07-19-2012, 12:34

Quote:

Originally Posted by ModGlock17

+1

Exactly. This is testifying without cross-examination, best done before trial start.

In addition, they've been destroying him by releasing bits and pieces of dirt that may never get admitted into court proceeding. He can't just turn away and be quiet.

In jury deliberation, 40min+ video of him here is very effective in saying "I am not a murderer, a racist, or a vigilante. I've been crucified by the media."

But the Gov't may feel that it really has no choice. A Prerequisition for riots by people rooted in the oldest continent is that they can point to a justice system that doesn't favor them. It has to be shown that EVEN when the system favors them, they'd still lose. Then if civil disobedience occurs, it will lack the support of half way reasonable portion of their people. Then, you can stomp it hard. I don't agree with that method, but I think that is what FL is trying to do.

I think you may well be on to something, even if a bit optimistic about motive, but it does make sense. Knowing they can't get a conviction their best bet, given the political climate, would be to make that fact SO obvious, that it completely marginalizes any protestors.

Guss · 07-19-2012, 13:32

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ian Moone

I'm no lawyer ...but it is a way for Zimmerman to testify without having to worry about cross-examination. If prosecution wants to introduce bits and pieces, the defense can just bring in the whole interview.

BINGO!!!

Normally a lawyer would be in a quandary about putting a criminal suspect on the stand. On the one hand, the defendant gets to tell his tale in court and let the jury get to know him as a human being, while on the other hand the prosecution gets to question him and rip him apart. Zimmerman has made enough live recordings now that he will get to tell his story without ever having to take the stand. It was a brilliant move and evidently the prosecutor fell for it.