Who Zimmerman could potentially sue

[Lurks Often]

Since the other thread is going downhill extremely rapidly............

First anybody can sue anybody in the US.

Zimmerman has probably two lawsuits that could be considered legitimate:

The first one is the lawsuit against NBC for editing the tape of the conversation with the dispatcher to make it sound like Zimmerman identified the person he thought was suspicious (Martin) as black before being prompted by the dispatcher.

The second is against whomever allowed his SSN to broadcast over CNN (and possibly other channels). There is no reason the SSN should not have been redacted for the trial or blurred out.

Before you post, forget about Zimmerman and consider if it was YOU who had the SSN broadcast for a large part of country to see or YOU who had a audio tape manipulated to put you on a negative light.

[HockeyMom]

1. Since his Daddy is a Judge

I am sure he is well versed in who he can sue.

[Lurks Often]

2. Forget your dislike of Zimmerman

I think all of us have a right not to have our SSN broadcast on national TV or have our words edited by the media in a manner that completely changes the context in which they were spoken.

[HockeyMom]

5. He doesn't need an attorney

He has a family member to adivse him. My point.

[Cooley Hurd]

10. Dislike? How about facts, Lurks...

FACT: Martin was unarmed.

FACT:
Zimmerman was told by the 911 dispatcher to back the fuck off.

FACT:
He did not.

FACT:
Martin was shot and killed. While he was unarmed.

[Lurks Often]

14. Try and focus on the point n/t

[Cooley Hurd]

17. Here's a novel idea....

Try and focus on the facts.

[ProdigalJunkMail]

22. ah this again... you're like a broken record... nt

[Cooley Hurd]

23. No, I'm consistent.

[ProdigalJunkMail]

25. you proved that to be a lie yesterday...

[Cooley Hurd]

26. I did? Please, by all means...

Linky link?

[ProdigalJunkMail]

28. nah...no link needed... you remember full well

Where you started as an internet badass threatening to riot in the wake of a verdict with which you do not agree THEN when you got called a hypocrite for claiming to be outraged at the loss of innocent life and yet being in support of methods that kill dozens of innocents you quietly switched to being a protester...

Consistent? Laughable...

Goodbye...

sP

[Cooley Hurd]

49. What a lame-ass response.

Are you new here?

[FrodosPet]

61. Fact is, you DID advocate for rioting yesterday

The OP is locked, but still visible.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/10023175292#post83

Seriously, rioting doesn't help anyone but TPTB. They will still have plenty of money. Meanwhile, the people living where the rioting occurs will die or lose their homes, jobs, and places to acquire the necessities of life.

[ProdigalJunkMail]

63. shhhhh...

all you'll get is mockery. you cannot point out where the actual facts lie... because the only facts that matter are the one's this poster believe SHOULD matter... all the others are unimportant.

sP

[FrodosPet]

64. I will get Mochrie?

Ya, that's pretty rough to take!

[ProdigalJunkMail]

65. i really miss Whose Line Is It, Anyway?

the Brit version was really good, too. seems like we get a lot of our TV ideas from them... Colin rocked, always.

sP

[FrodosPet]

66. You might be interested in this then...

https://twitter.com/colinmochrie/status/353197308042686465

[ProdigalJunkMail]

67. have been preparing for this for a while :-)

and holding out a hope that it will be the same as it ever was... such fun improv!

sP

[Jenoch]

54. The dispatcher said

"We don't need you to do that."

That iszquite different from your words.

[gopiscrap]

77. Thank you!!!

[uppityperson]

11. I think all of us have the right to walk home from the store at 7 pm without getting shot.

[atreides1]

6. Retired Magistrate not judge

In Virginia, where he was a magistrate, there is a difference.

[bike man]

57. There have been several threads discussing how a (now retired) Virginia magistrate

differs from a judge.

[onenote]

69. His daddy is not a judge. Not even a lawyer.

From 2000 to 2007, Zimmerman's father was a "magistrate" in Northern Virginia. Under Virginia law, magistrates expressly are not judges. They don't need a law degree, they have no trial jurisdiction, and, at the time Zimmerman's dad had the position, couldn't even handle traffic tickets. They could set bail and issue subpoenas and warrants.

I'm not a fan of Zimmerman, but the meme that his father is a judge has been debunked numerous times yet some folks continue to repeat it for some reason or another.

[GreenStormCloud]

82. His father is/was not a judge.

His Dad was a magistrate in VA. He had no trial powers and VA does not consider them judges. http://www.abcactionnews.com/dpp/news/crime/zimmerman-dad-worked-as-magistrate

“Robert J. Zimmerman served as a full-time magistrate from 2000-2006. Please be advised that in Virginia magistrates are judicial officers, but they are not considered "judges" and do not possess trial jurisdiction. More detailed information on the role of the magistrate in Virginia is available on Virginia's Judicial System Website .”

[Cooley Hurd]

3. Perhaps Zimmy can sue his finger...

...for pulling the trigger?

Damn you, you infernal finger!!!

[classof56]

8. Good one!

[DanTex]

4. Poor guy. All he did was kill an innocent teenager, and then his SSN was on CNN! The humanity!

[uppityperson]

7. He should sue Neighborhood Watch for letting him patrol like he did.

Downhill rapidly is where this thread should also go.

[Lurks Often]

12. So you really think the media should be able

to broadcast our SSN on national TV or edit our words in a manner that completely changes the context in which they were spoken?

[uppityperson]

20. He should sue himself for making contradictory statements.

[yardwork]

58. Zimmerman wasn't part of Neighborhood Watch.

Too many rules. He was just a killer.

[Rex]

9. No thanks, you go ahead and pretend to be someone that killed a kid in cold blood.

[uppityperson]

13. He should sue the 911 person for not making him stop.

[Heddi]

15. he should sue the concrete

for being so gosh darn hard!

[hlthe2b]

16. Your concern for the future financial gain for murderer of an innocent black youth is fully noted...

[Ruby the Liberal]

21. ^^ This ^^

[Lurks Often]

31. Another poster who misses the point

it should not be ok for the media to be able to broadcast our SSN on national TV or edit our words in a manner that completely changes the context in which they were spoken.

I'm pretty certain if it had been YOUR SSN, you'd be pissed.

[hlthe2b]

33. Your concern for this unrepentant (and very likely racist) killer IS THE POINT.

What do you think that says about YOU?

[Lurks Often]

34. I'm so sorry for wanting a jury to see all the evidence

and make a decision based on that evidence and Florida law.

I forgot fair trials are only for those that we like or agree with.

[hlthe2b]

35. That's not what YOU want....

As the magistrate told your comrade, your mask has slipped.

[Lurks Often]

38. You don't have the slightest clue as to what I want n/t

[hlthe2b]

39. I think it is obvious to everyone here...

[Lurks Often]

43. If it makes you feel better to think that, go ahead. n/t

[hlthe2b]

46. No... it makes me sad to think you would feel that way... n/t

[Iggo]

37. That was the point?

[Lurks Often]

40. The point of my OP, which many have missed in their hatred of Zimmerman

is that it should be wrong for the media to broadcast your SSN over the tv or intentionally modify your words to completely change the context of their meaning.

[TransitJohn]

45. I don't think that poster would put themselves in that position by murdering a child with a pack of

Skittles, so what are you on about?

[Lurks Often]

47. That the media should not be able

broadcast a person's SSN or intentionally edit a video or audio tape to change what a person said in a manner that significantly changes the context.

[TransitJohn]

48. Then don't fucking kill people and give the news media the ability to do that, seems pretty simple.

n/t

[demwing]

78. BULLSHIT

Lurks may be pro Zimmerman, but he's right about this issue.

Why the hell should ANYONE be subject to having their private data displayed on TV?

Equal justice and selective justice don't exist together. Fuck the idea that only an approved minority get full civil rights.

With all the NSA revelations you might think that media invasions of our privacy would merit some outcry. And yes, an invasion of a despicable person's privacy is every bit as unacceptable as an invasion of anyone's privacy...or everyone's privacy.

[TransitJohn]

79. The SSN thing is fucked up, but the rest of it? Celebrity enjoys less expectation ot privacy

as far as I understand it.

[demwing]

86. the SSN thing is the only thing I care about

otherwise Zimmerman can go sit and spin

[Lurks Often]

89. I don't consider myself pro Zimmerman

although I'll grant my posts may seem that way to many. I'm pro fair trial based on evidence and the law, not making judgments or deciding guilt based on some news clips or a couple of paragraphs in a newspaper.

[noiretextatique]

99. there is another stupid post in another thread

speculating whether trayvon got himself killed so his parents could sue. sick bastards

[uppityperson]

18. He should sue himself for making contradictory statements.

[GeorgeGist]

19. I'm sure Zimmerman appreciates your concern.

[AgingAmerican]

24. He can sue God

After, it's God's plan that started this whole mess.

[Hoyt]

27. All you zimmy supporters can continue your contributions.

[itsrobert]

29. Yeah, his wife needs a new vacation

and all the Taco Bell, Burger King, Hardee's, MdDonald's, etc, Zimmerman can eat.

[99Forever]

30. I'll worry about that if...

.. I ever decide to to become a murdering scumbag, like Zimmerman.

[treestar]

32. For civil suits he would need to show damaged

Showing his SSN was wrong but then would be have damages? He is now too famous for identity theft.

[Lurks Often]

42. does a person have to show damages or just possible damages?

Not sure where the line is drawn in civil suits.

[jberryhill]

53. Actual damages

Now, sometimes a statute authorizing a cause of action may specify statutory damages of a given amount or range.

Sometimes the plaintiff may have done something outrageous enough to qualify for some form of punitive or exemplary damages.

But there is no such thing as hypothetical or speculative damages. Let's say I'm starting guitar lessons next week and you cut off one of my fingers in some incident. Now, maybe, I would have become the greatest rock star of all time but for you injuring my hand. But, no, I don't get to claim Carlos Santana's income as my damages.

[Lurks Often]

59. Ok, thanks n/t

[jberryhill]

76. Which is what makes your point silly

[boston bean]

36. Hopefully, they will be publicizing his prison inmate

number, and soon, please!

[sarge43]

41. I know, he could sue Martin's parents for demanding justice for their son.

Really now, didn't Zimmerman have every right to stalk and shoot someone walking down a street?

[Apophis]

44. Have I stumbled upon InsaneUnderground?

[Hoyt]

55. The remaining Dixiecrat holdouts sure are showing their ugly heads.

[Hoyt]

50. If acquitted, there is a right wing gun shop that will put out a Limited Edition George Zimmerman

Pistol for all the gun lovers.

[pacalo]

51. A teenager lost his life due to Zimmerman's unfounded suspicions & you're concerned about

Zimmerman making hay out of it?

You might want to go back to lurking.

[Lurks Often]

60. Read the OP again

and tell me if you're ok with the news media broadcasting YOUR SSN on TV. That is the point of the OP

[pacalo]

70. Wrong venue for bringing up such a tacky, ill-advised topic.

DU doesn't roll like reddix, yahoo, or Free Republic.

[Lurks Often]

83. I wouldn't know since I don't go to any of those sites

I think the underlying concerns are still valid, although I'll agree a different example, if one existed, would have probably been a better decision.

[Scootaloo]

52. He would have a case regarding the SSN issue

Regardless of a person's legal status, that sort of information should not be made public

[reusrename]

71. He's a public figure.

He would have to prove malicious intent in order to prevail.

[bluedigger]

56. He should sue his father for not pulling out.

And then sue his mother for not crossing her legs. Those were Trayvon's two best chances.

[Pelican]

62. Stay classy...

[bluedigger]

68. Nothing classy about this subject.

Might as well jump into the cesspit headfirst.

[Tommy_Carcetti]

72. Being totally honest here....

...if Zimmerman is acquitted (and I'm still confident that's a big "if" at this point), and his identity was stolen, do you think he would even care?

The guy would have to move to CaseyAnthonyville, he'd be that much of a pariah. The dude would probably be begging for someone to take his old identity.

For that matter, who would even want to take that idiot's identity? Of all the identities to steal, why would anyone want his?

[Lurks Often]

84. I think the media was wrong to broadcast the SSN

and edit the call to the police in such a manner as to significantly change the context of the call. It was wrong of them to do it to Zimmerman, it would be wrong of them to do that to you or me or anyone else.

[friendlyFRIEND]

73. NBC is toast...

they all but admitted guilt by firing the people responsible for the edited audio piece.

[TorchTheWitch]

74. with what money?

If he's found guilty he'll be hard pressed to come up with any money to appeal. O'Mara has already had to beg online just to get his attorney fees for the trial paid.

Sure, anyone can sue for whatever silly or legitimate reason... if they can pay for it.

[Incitatus]

75. Or maybe he will be found guilty in a civil trial by the Martin's like OJ was. nt

[Lurks Often]

85. That's a different subject, but it might not be allowed under Florida law

I've seen conflicting opinions, but if Zimmerman is found not guilty, Martin's parents probably will not be able to sue, although I expect a court case over their ability to bring a civil suit against Zimmerman.

[customerserviceguy]

80. A suit against the media

is about the only thing he's got to earn an income with, sufficient enough for him to live in hiding. Should he be acquitted, he would have to use the argument that he was tried and convicted in the media, and that too many people out there want revenge.

It'll be a tough sell, but I'll bet O'Mara or someone on his team will handle it. The acquittal with make their services worth tens of millions of dollars to rich defendants, like banksters (if we ever get around to prosecuting them).

[LanternWaste]

81. He could also sue his wife... as she was an accomplice in his incompetent money-transfer scheme...

He could also sue his wife... as she was an accomplice in his incompetent money-transfer scheme, he may want to hold her liable too.

Since, as you so adroitly summed, "anybody can sue anybody in the US"; it is indeed, another possibility for his supporters to ponder and consider.

[Liberal_Stalwart71]

87. If/When he sues, I'm sure the NRA, Faux News, and the KKKoch Bros. will foot the bill.

[AtomicKitten]

88. It was killing Trayvon that put GZ in a negative light.

Get that part straight.

[arely staircase]

90. He will also face a wrongful death suit from the Martin family even if acquitted

like OJ did.

[Lurks Often]

91. I don't believe that is allowed under Florida law

I could be wrong, but I believe that if Zimmerman is found not guilty by virtue of self defense, that Florida law confers immunity from a civil suit. Although I expect a court case over their ability to bring a civil suit against Zimmerman.

[arely staircase]

92. I doubt that is the law in Florida

as the burden of proof is so much different between civil and criminal courts. simply because the DA can't reach "beyond a reasonable doubt" in no way means "preponderance of the evidence" isn't easily in achievable. if the Martin family can show that Zimmerman's negligent actions were the proximate cause of Trayvon's death they have a case. Getting out of the truck with a round chambered to chase a kid after the cops told you to stay in your vehicle makes a pretty good case.

and I wish them well

[Lurks Often]

93. I believe this is the relevant Florida statute

http://www.leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&Search_String=&URL=0700-0799/0776/Sections/0776.032.html

If Zimmerman is found not guilty then the Martin family can not sue in civil court.

I think there are other states with similiar language in the laws

[arely staircase]

94. That would seem to be the stand your ground statute that Zimmerman waived his right

to a hearing under. Had he had such a hearing and won he would have been immune from civil and criminal liability. The fact he is on trial for murder would indicate that law doesn't apply.

[Lurks Often]

95. We seem to disagree with our respective interpretations of the relevant law

I saw no reference to "Stand Your Ground"

My interpretation is this: If a person is found not guilty of the death of another person by reason of self defense (justfiable homicide) then they can not be sued in civil court.

I guess we'll see soon enough

[arely staircase]

96. Stand Your Ground is a vernacular phrase that wouldn't appear in a statute

the law you posted also says immunity from criminal prosecution. if it is applicable, why is he on trial for murder?

[Lurks Often]

97. That might be why he wasn't originally charged

Rightly or wrongly, Zimmerman would not be on trial if it wasn't for political and public pressure. The DA that looked at the case initially seems to have felt it was a case of self defense.

[arely staircase]

98. he is on trial because he killed an unarmed kid

and yes the DA seems to have made some poor decisions. luckily it was taken out of his hands.