So Why Would Zimmerman Not Necessarily Have Deserved a Swollen Nose and Bruises?

[Lizzie Poppet]

38. Zimmerman's actions gave Martin good reason to suspect he was in danger.

And I'm talking about Zimmerman's actions before the shooting...

Zimmerman continued to follow Martin even after hearing the explicit advice of the dispatcher not to do so. He exited the vehicle to approach Martin, and I would be very surprised indeed if that approach were anything other than confrontational. Essentially, Zimmerman started the conflict, and that's critical. Martin wasn't looking for trouble; Zimmerman was. Moreover, Martin believing he needed to defend himself is a perfectly reasonable reaction to the circumstances, and when faced with a much bulkier opponent, getting the first punch in can make a big difference. Martin can't be faulted for taking the first swing, if that's how it happened.

It may well be the case that as the fight went against him, Zimmerman was legitimately in fear of serious injury and even death. Normally that would legitimize using deadly force. But not when you start the damned fight, it isn't!