[101stAirborneVet]

And then, what could have been an easy SD claim will go to the Grand Jury, because the act of following precipitated the entire sequence of events leading up to the shooting.

The fact that Zimmerman has injuries proves only that there was a fight. It proves nothing about who started it....

Nobody has to prove who "started it". You guys are speculating way too much about things you don't understand.

All that must be proven is that Zimmerman did not fear death or serious bodily injury from an attack by Martin.

This "precipitated" stuff is nonsense.

[Travis McGee]

This "precipitated" stuff is nonsense.

If you ever face a Grand Jury in a similar case, just be sure and tell them that. I'm sure they will agree, and let you walk free.

/sarc

Give a little thought to Mas Ayoob's "Problem #2." It matters a lot, if you don't like the idea of spending time in prison for SD.

[Conscience of a Conservative]

Martin’s actions alone were illegal.

Actually, you're wrong. Under Florida law, the aggressor in a confrontation cannot then use deadly force to defend themself in that confrontation (except in very limited circumstances). Moreover, someone can be an aggressor for these purposes without actually throwing the first punch - all they have to do is "provoke" the use of force against themself, and they cannot assert a "self defense" defense.

All that must be proven is that Zimmerman did not reasonably fear death or serious bodily injury from an attack by Martin.

You missed a word, and an important one at that.