George Zimmerman’s acquittal was met with mixed reactions from the public, media, and legal analysts alike (Foreman, 2013). Although the prosecution had a seemingly strong case linking to a second-degree murder of Trayvon Martin, the defense equally had strong counterarguments to that regard. In their submissions, the defense was succinct to prove Zimmerman’s actions as motivated by self-defense by an officer who was under threat and had sustained injuries from the deceased’s beatings. In an attempt to reconcile the discrepancy in the perception of George Zimmerman’s guilt or innocence, a judge would outline the need for civilians to respect orders from officers. The judge could reiterate Martin’s constant defiance and resistance in violation of Zimmerman’s orders. It is imperative the judge comments in response to the perception of racial hatred as having prompted Zimmerman to shoot Martin by highlighting the latter’s wrongful conduct. The judge can justify Zimmerman’s innocence by noting the need for officers to act in self-defense against imminent threats to their lives.
Attorney General Eric Holder on Texas Voting Laws
I believe Holder’s decision to challenge Texas voting laws was justified. In its 5-4 ruling on the Shelby County v. Holder case, the U.S. Supreme Court had uplifted a provision of the Voting Rights Act (VRA) that required the 16 jurisdictions to seek the Department of Justice’s approval prior to reforming electoral laws or making changes to district maps (Hylton, 2013). First, Holder faulted Texas for promoting discrimination and an evident compromise to fair political representation. Second, Holder condemned the laws on Texan voters’ ID effected immediately after the Supreme Court’s decision. The VRA guarantees the right fair political representation. Besides, the VRA ensures the right to non-discrimination in access voting. The Texas law, however, will compromise these two fundamental aspects of the VRA.
References
Foreman, T. (July 15, 2013). Analysis: The race factor in George Zimmerman's trial. CNN. Retrieved April 30, 2018 from https://edition.cnn.com/2013/07/14/justice/zimmerman-race-factor/index.html
Hylton, H. (July 27, 2013). Eric Holder Takes the Fight for Voting Rights to Texas. TIME. Retrieved April 30, 2018 from http://nation.time.com/2013/07/27/eric-holder-takes-the-fight-for-voting-rights-to-texas/
