Barring any unforeseen complications, George Zimmerman's defense team is expected to rest its case this afternoon. While the trial's not over yet, many observers have already made up their minds: Zimmerman will be found not guilty. Last weekend Washington Post writer Gene Weingarten tweeted, "I don't like George Zimmerman, & he caused this to happen, but from what I've read he will, and should, walk." ABC analyst Dan Abrams wrote, "I just don't see how a jury convicts [Zimmerman] of second degree murder or even manslaughter in the shooting death of Trayvon Martin." The Fort Lauderdale Sun Sentinel predicted that "unless the prosecution rallies, don't be shocked if Zimmerman walks away totally free."

I think they're right. Over the past two weeks, trial-watchers have seen a lot of things: bad jokes, anguish, rage, odd disparagement of Zimmerman's physical capabilities. But there's one thing we haven't seen: a compelling, factual rebuttal to Zimmerman's account of what happened the night Trayvon Martin was killed.

Here is what we know: Trayvon Martin died in Sanford, Fla., on Feb. 26, 2012. If George Zimmerman hadn't been there, Martin would still be alive. Zimmerman found Martin suspicious. He called 911. A confrontation ensued. Beyond that, the facts are unclear. There's not much physical evidence in the case. Other than the defendant, there are no eyewitnesses. Zimmerman claims that he was attacked by Martin, and that he shot him because he felt he was at risk of great bodily harm. We can certainly speculate as to whether or not he's telling the truth, but can we say for sure? Zimmerman's the only one who was there, and none of the prosecution's witnesses came close to conclusively refuting his story.

That's a problem for the state. To convict Zimmerman, the prosecutors have to prove their case beyond a reasonable doubt. That hasn't happened. And if the prosecution can't prove its case, then Zimmerman should walk. Many will see this as an unsatisfying outcome; many will think it shouldn't be this easy to kill someone, concoct an uncontradictable excuse, and get away with it. But a legally satisfying verdict cannot always be the same as a morally satisfying verdict. It would be unjust if Zimmerman were convicted based not on the strength of the evidence against him, but rather on the public sentiment against him.



http://www.slate.com/blogs/crime/2013/07/10/george_zimmerman_trial_trayvon_martin_s_shooter_is_probably_going_to_walk.html?wpisr