Seems to me the major flaw in the claim that Zimmerman acted in self defense is that he forced the contact with Martin by stalking him and while he may have been comforted in knowing that the had a hand on his pistol he could have kept his distance. He had contacted police and done his duty as neighborhood watch. I think most of us would have developed some concern if we were walking along a residential street and become aware that someone was following us. If there were an armband, cap, or insignia on a car to indicate neighbor watch, we might take note. I doubt that I would confront the stalker, but there is possibly here some who would. Even if Martin confronted Zimmerman and even if he made the first physical contact, Zimmerman is still, at least, partially at fault.