Posted on 04/12/2012 3:51:09 PM PDT by 2ndDivisionVet
Harvard University law professor Alan Dershowitz appeared on MSNBC’s Hardball where fill-in host Michel Smerconish asked him his opinions of the arrest warrant issued and carried out for alleged Trayvon Martin murderer, George Zimmerman. Dershowitz called the affidavit justifying Zimmerman’s arrest “not only thin, it’s irresponsible.” He went on to criticize the decision to charge Zimmerman for second degree murder by special prosecutor Angela Cory as being politically motivated.
“You’ve seen the affidavit of probable cause. What do you make of it,” Smerconish asked. “It won’t suffice,” Dershowitz replied without hesitation.
“Most affidavits of probable cause are very thin. This is so thin that it won’t make it past a judge on a second degree murder charge,” Dershowitz said. “There’s simply nothing in there that would justify second degree murder.”
Dershowitz said that the elements that would constitute that crime are non-existent in the affidavit. “It’s not only thin, it’s irresponsible,” said Dershowitz.
Dershowitz went on to strongly criticize Cory’s decision to move forward with the case against Zimmerman. “I think what you have here is an elected public official who made a campaign speech last night for reelection when she gave her presentation and overcharged. This case will not – if the evidence is no stronger than what appears in the probable cause affidavit – this case will result in an acquittal.”
Smerconish identified the total lack of any mention of the supposed fight that occurred between Martin and Zimmerman prior to Martin being shot. He said he was disappointed that he did not see any mention of that conflict that led to Martin’s murder.
“But it’s worse than that,” said Dershowitz. “It’s irresponsible and unethical in not including material that favors the defendant.”
“This affidavit does not even make it to probable cause,” Dershowitz concluded. “everything in the affidavit is completely consistent with a defense of self-defense. Everything.”
Watch the segment below via MSNBC:
(VIDEO AT LINK)
Cool!
You know things are bad when Alan Dershowitz, a leftist, thinks this case is a total waste of time. Zimmerman is going to sue these bastards left and right once this circus is over with
Agreed. This is going to lead to a lot of violence. Zimmerman is not going to deal because he is all but certain to win on these charges. If the judge throws it out or the jury finds him not guilty....watch out.
Ping for later.
Man - if you don’t even have Dershowitz on your side ...
What does that say about your case ???
Don't be so sure. This will probably go to trial and Z will either be acquitted or win his appeal.
I'm no engineer but I know a railroad when I see one.
Maybe Prof. D. should offer up some pro-bono consults with GZ’s lawyer... or maybe this is his way of doing it - and getting himself all kinds of media.
Mr. Dershowitz swerves into the truth now and again....
Richard Jewell X 10.
The Feds no doubt already have their own Civil Rights Violations affidavit already printed up, just waiting for a date and a signature when necessary.
i didn’t see any video at the link, what am i missing?
“Put Zimmerman through hell for votes. Right. Why not. “
That’s a two-edged sword and presupposes that the majority of the voters in Sanford want Zimmerman tried.
Maybe she just lost her re-election.
It almost looks like Alan Dershowitz is getting a few conservative traits in his old age...
” Dershowitz went on to strongly criticize Cory’s decision to move forward with the case against Zimmerman. “I think what you have here is an elected public official who made a campaign speech last night for reelection when she gave her presentation and overcharged. This case will not – if the evidence is no stronger than what appears in the probable cause affidavit – this case will result in an acquittal.””
“But it’s worse than that,” said Dershowitz. “It’s irresponsible and unethical in not including material that favors the defendant.”
Okay....this is verbatim my opinion. We’ll see just how sleazy this gets.
“
It depends on the make up of the jury.
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