Texas Guardian Saturday 13th July, 2013
A Florida jury is now deliberating in the trial of George Zimmerman, the man accused of murdering an unarmed black teenager, Trayvon Martin, 17.
The six-woman panel must now reach a unanimous verdict to convict in the trial which has become as much about racial politics as criminal justice.
Jurors retired after attorneys for both sides wrapped up closing arguments.
Judge Debra Nelson reminded jurors that the onus was on prosecutors to prove their case against 29-year-old George Zimmerman.
She also instructed jurors to be aware that Florida law allows residents to use lethal force in their own defence.
The lethal force defence has become controversial since the Zimmerman trial, in which the defendant told the court he killed Trayvon Martin because he thought he was going to be killed.
Jurors were told on Thursday that they could also consider the lesser charge of manslaughter if they were not convinced Zimmerman was guilty of murder.
Prosecutors have argued the defendant acted with malicious intent when he fired a single, fatal shot into Mr Martin's chest.
Prosecution attorneys argued Zimmerman stalked Mr Martin and provoked the encounter, which occurred in a residential village in the central Florida city of Sanford.
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Source: http://www.texasguardian.com/index.php/sid/215806951/scat/154063713fe5da1f
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