Criminal Trial steps Pre-trial All sides share all evidence Judge decides which evidence is admissible (allowed) Jury is selected by both sides (both sides can reject potential jurors based on their responses to questions or for any other reason) Possible plea deal

Criminal Trial steps Mid-trial Opening statements to explain to the jury why the defendant is guilty and not guilty (prosecution goes first then defense goes second). Prosecution presents its case with evidence and witnesses. At any time the defense can make objections to the judge about statements made by the DA and its witnesses that seem unfair, irrelevant, inaccurate. Defense can also question all of the witnesses. Judge allows the defense to present its case if wishes (remember that because of the 5th Amendment the accused cannot be forced to testify against himself/herself. End of trial Closing arguments to summarize the entire case for the jury (prosecution goes first and the defense goes second).

Criminal Trial steps Resolution of trial Jury deliberates with directions from judge about the charges and the law. The jury must reach a unanimous verdict of guilty or not guilty If the jury is unable to reach a verdict there is a mistrial.

What Florida law says about 2nd degree murder… 782.02 Justifiable use of deadly force.—The use of deadly force is justifiable when a person is resisting any attempt to murder such person or to commit any felony upon him or her or upon or in any dwelling house in which such person shall be. 782.03 Excusable homicide.—Homicide is excusable when committed by accident and misfortune in doing any lawful act by lawful means with usual ordinary caution, and without any unlawful intent, or by accident and misfortune in the heat of passion, upon any sudden and sufficient provocation, or upon a sudden combat, without any dangerous weapon being used and not done in a cruel or unusual manner.

Florida’s stand your ground law… Here’s what the law says

Evidence in George Zimmerman Trial Photos of Trayvon Martin #1, #2, #3, #4, and #5 Testimony of Rachel Jeantel Testimony of Sybrina Fulton Death photo of Trayvon Martin Photos of George Zimmerman the night of the incident #1, #2, and video. Edited 911 call made by Zimmerman and played on NBC Unedited 911 call made by Zimmerman Obama’s comments before Zimmerman verdict Obama’s comments after Zimmerman verdict