Injuries Show Justification for Deadly Force

Reader comment on: Trayvon Martin and George Zimmerman

Submitted by Lloyd Reese (United States), Mar 27, 2012 18:13

In many states, deadly force is justified if one reasonably believes that failing to use such force would result in your death or serious bodily injuries. As Massad Ayoob says in his classic work, The Gravest Extreme, "Depending on the circumstances, almost any form of physical attack is potentially deadly force." (p.5) From what we know of the circumstances, it appears that Zimmerman was attacked from behind, knocked to the ground, had his nose broken, and was having his head banged against the ground prior to him firing the fatal shot that killed Martin. We do know that Martin was a 6-2 inch football player. I've not seen Zimmerman's size or weight described. However, when you are attacked from the rear, you are at a distinct disadvantage to defend yourself. Once on the ground, with an attacker on top of you, your disadvantage increases considerably. Based on these facts, assuming they are true, it certainly appears to me that Zimmerman was fully justified in his actions.

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