Presumption of Innocence Disappears in Court of Public Opinion

Thus far I have kept my opinions on the Martin-Zimmerman tragedy to myself. I've watched over the weeks as my Facebook news feed scrolled by with status updates full of hate, condemnation, judgement. I've watched the news and listened to talk radio as people shared their opinions on what happened between the neighborhood watch captain and the young man with skittles in his pocket. I've listened in dismay as people began shouting louder and louder for Zimmerman's head on a platter and I was angered when I heard there had been a bounty put on his head. How does an American citizen get a pass for putting a bounty on the life of another American citizen? Whether you think Zimmerman is guilty or not, this issue of a bounty is an issue that should infuriate all Americans and yet the outcry for Zimmerman's blood is louder. I am troubled by this immensely. 

There is no doubt that the incident between Martin and Zimmerman culminated in a tragic loss of life and I am saddened by it. As a mother and as a fellow human, my heart aches for Trayvon Martin's parents. Whether he was an upstanding young citizen or a boy who was a little wayward matters not to his family. They have suffered a loss that no parent should endure and their lives will never be the same. 

Last week, George Zimmerman was finally arrested. Not having access to any legitimate and factual details of the evidence, I have no choice but to assume that there was just cause in the evidence that led to his arrest. I hope this is the case because the thought of our justice system caving to media hype and pressure is truly frightening; however, the irresponsibility of the media in America  is another topic for another post altogether.

On the heels of Zimmerman's arrest, I am finally able to formulate the thoughts that have been churning in my head for weeks now. Quite frankly, I am appalled. I'm appalled at my fellow Americans who have already tried and convicted this man before he has even had his day in court. What happened to the principle of "innocent until proven guilty" in this country? I've read shocking comments in my Facebook feed from friends I dearly love and respect. I understand the passion behind the comments and opinions but where is the hatred and venom coming from? There is no question that Zimmerman killed Trayvon Martin. Zimmerman admits he took Martin's life in self-defense. Did Zimmerman kill Martin or did he murder Martin?

There is a difference and that is the crux of the matter. Zimmerman may be guilty of murder but....gasp...he may be innocent, too! I simply refuse to speculate. I'll wait until all the evidence has been presented in a court of law and examined by a jury of Zimmerman's peers. I'll wait until a legally appointed judge delivers the verdict at the end of the trial. That is due process, people. Every American is entitled to due process, it is part of the system that makes America a great and civilized country. Maybe I'll agree with the verdict or maybe I won't, but if Zimmerman is found guilty of the charges against him then I sincerely hope he is sentenced to the full extent of the law. If Zimmerman is found innocent I sincerely hope that he and his family are able to move on and live their lives as ordinary American citizens, without fear. Sadly, based on the mobs that have formed in the court of public opinion, I doubt this will be the case.