General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: Why did Zimmerman Refuse to go to the Hospital after the Shooting ? [View all]TorchTheWitch
(11,065 posts)This all by itself indicates that he DIDN'T feel that his life was in danger however he got his injuries. Anyone that believes that they're being beaten so badly that they are about to be killed would not only show injuries in accordance with that but want to go to the hospital to be sure they won't die from their injuries and have them treated.
If he did not believe he needed medical attention for his injuries then he did not believe that he was in imminent danger of death in receiving them.
Self-defense is only justifiable when only enough force to stop the attack is applied and they have a REASONABLE belief that killing the person is the only way to avoid being killed themselves. Zimmerman's light injuries and lack of medical concern for them put the lie to his fearing so much for his life his only choice was to kill Martin. They also put the lie to how he received the injuries.
And if Zimmerman had already brandished his gun to stop an attack or further attack it is reasonable that Martin would be the one with the most justifiable fear for his life and therefore justified in attacking the person brandishing it. I'll never believe that Zimmerman did not draw his gun until AFTER he had received his injuries. The whole point in having the gun was to thwart someone attacking him in the first place by brandishing it. It was that gun that gave Zimmerman the "liquid courage" to get out of his truck, chase after Martin and confront him in the first place. There's just no way that he would not have brandished it the moment he felt in danger of attack never mind in danger of his life. That's what having a gun is FOR.