General Discussion

BronxBoy

(2,287 posts)

39. I still don't get this...

Fri Jul 12, 2013, 02:20 PM

Jul 2013

The statute says that if the person was justified as laid out in the first 3 sections in the 1st section that that person would be immune from both criminal and civil prosecution. We don't have those 3 sections but Mr. Zimmerman did indeed have to face a criminal trial. Did he not meet the criteria laid out in those sections? And if he didn't, why would he then be immune from a civil suit?

I'm curious as to whether the a not guilty verdict at trial is translates into justification.

I get what they were trying to do with this law. If you break into my house and I shoot you why should the victim or their family profit from that. Just seems this law is poorly worded or I'm just missing something. I keep hearing that this law gives blanket immunity to Mr. Zimmerman if he's found not guilty but the law or at least what I've seen of it is absolutely silent on the subject of criminal proceedings.

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Have Trayvon Martin's parents sued Zimmerman in civil court [View all] Lex Jul 2013 OP

I doubt it. That wouldn't happen until a criminal case is over. glowing Jul 2013 #1

Actually it can happen anytime. No need to wait. The verdict Lex Jul 2013 #4

You can use a conviction as evidence in the civil case I think. MidwestTransplant Jul 2013 #36

I read somewhere here that if he is found Not guilty because of stand your ground and self-defense hrmjustin Jul 2013 #2

No, the law cannot take away his parents right to sue in civil court. nt Lex Jul 2013 #3

I certainly hope so. hrmjustin Jul 2013 #6

Florida law does exactly that when it comes to self defense cases hack89 Jul 2013 #11

I have read that statute several times.... BronxBoy Jul 2013 #15

A law suit is a civil action hack89 Jul 2013 #19

OK.... BronxBoy Jul 2013 #23

Perhaps to deter SLAPP suits? hack89 Jul 2013 #25

Thanks n/t BronxBoy Jul 2013 #32

It does in Texas oldhippie Jul 2013 #26

That is true - here is the appropriate Florida statute hack89 Jul 2013 #13

Ah, so the recourse is against the HOA then. nt Lex Jul 2013 #27

They have already settled with the HOA for a million dollars. nt LaydeeBug Jul 2013 #28

The HOA was sued and have settled already hack89 Jul 2013 #30

This is not a "Stand Your Ground" case. Although the defense originally planned to defend 1monster Jul 2013 #17

I hope he is found guilty and they sue his butt off. hrmjustin Jul 2013 #20

I believe it's in the works Just Saying Jul 2013 #5

I've never heard of a state circumventing a plaintiff's right Lex Jul 2013 #8

I honestly have no idea if it's true. Just Saying Jul 2013 #16

There is similiar language in other states as well Lurks Often Jul 2013 #18

This message was self-deleted by its author Lex Jul 2013 #24

The arrest alone makes civil suits against Zimmerman and the HOA possible GiaGiovanni Jul 2013 #7

Good. The HOA would have the deep pockets anyway. Lex Jul 2013 #9

The HOA already settled Blackford Jul 2013 #10

No kidding. GiaGiovanni Jul 2013 #29

Yep, reported by Huff Post Blackford Jul 2013 #31

Thanks. GiaGiovanni Jul 2013 #34

Not really. The agreement is mostly confidential. n/t Blackford Jul 2013 #38

Message auto-removed Name removed Jul 2013 #12

If acquited he is immune from civil suits in accordance with Florida law. nt hack89 Jul 2013 #14

Message auto-removed Name removed Jul 2013 #21

No - it is for any justifable use force including defense of self, home or another person. hack89 Jul 2013 #22

Message auto-removed Name removed Jul 2013 #33

Defense of self, home and others. nt hack89 Jul 2013 #45

Message auto-removed Name removed Jul 2013 #35

That clears things up quite a bit..... BronxBoy Jul 2013 #41

I still don't get this... BronxBoy Jul 2013 #39

Zimmerman had to face the criminal trial because he waived the pretrial hearing on immunity. PoliticAverse Jul 2013 #42

Message auto-removed Name removed Jul 2013 #43

Thank you... BronxBoy Jul 2013 #44

The Martin family is planning on filing a civil claim againt Zimmerman at a later point, see below Tx4obama Jul 2013 #37

They are more likely to sue the police for letting Zimmerman go... Spitfire of ATJ Jul 2013 #40