This is not a “late-game” tactic. This stage of trial is often when the parties start making motions about what sort of instructions the jury will and will not receive. And, manslaughter is a “Category 1” lesser-included offense under Florida law, meaning (as I understand it) that if one party requests an instruction for it, the judge MUST give it.
Yes it is the time when the parties start talking about jury instructions. It is not the time when new charges are brought.
The prosecuting attorney had all the time he needed to decide what he wanted to charge Zimmerman with, PRIOR TO THE TRIAL starting.
Now he wants to change it. I don’t see that as reasonable.
Zimmerman should have known the charges up front. He should have been able to launch a defense knowing full well what those charges would be.
No that the trial is nearly over, new charges, new options are being devised.
Sorry, I could be wrong as can be, but I do not see that as reasoned.
Was he charged with Second Degree murder, or was he charged with manslaughter? It makes a difference. He should have been able to defend against manslaughter during the trial, if that’s what he was going to ultimately face.
He wasn’t given that opportunity.