Author Topic: Trayvons parents protest release of his school records, like suspension, etc. (Read 922 times)

powderman · « **on:** October 19, 2012, 08:46:41 AM »

http://abcnews.go.com/US/trayvon-martins-parents-stop-release-school-records/story?id=17517884

Trayvon Martin's Parents Protest Release of School Records Trayvon Martin's Parents Fight The Release of His School Records Auto Start: On | Off By COLLEEN CURRY Oct. 19, 2012
Trayvon Martin's parents are protesting the release of his confidential school records as part of George Zimmerman's murder trial.
Tracy Martin and Sybrina Fulton held a press conference in front of the Seminole County courthouse today ahead of a hearing in the Zimmerman case in which a judge will rule on whether Martin's school records can be included in discovery.
Martin, 17, was killed in February while serving a 10-day suspension from school for having a bag that had traces of marijuana in it. Now, Zimmerman's attorneys have requested all of his disciplinary, academic, and attendance records from his middle school and high school.
Zimmerman has claimed self-defense in the shooting and is charged with second-degree murder.

"First I'd like to say that Trayvon was the victim," Tracy Martin said today. "As human beings, our first priority shouldn't be to assassinate the character of the victims and make it seem as though they're the perpetrator."
Martin's parents appeared with attorney Benjamin Crump, who argued that Trayvon's records are irrelevant to the case since Zimmerman knew nothing of the teen's past when he shot him in February.

"George Zimmerman, for whatever reasons, profiled. He made conscious decisions to get out of his car and pursue Trayvon, who was unarmed, and shot him in the heart, and Trayvon is not here to tell us his version," Crump said. "So why is it relevant about his school records or his Facebook page? George Zimmerman knew none of that on Feb. 26, when he claimed Trayvon's life."
WFTV/ABC News Trayvon Martin's parents appeared in court,... View Full Size WFTV/ABC News Trayvon Martin's parents appeared in court, Oct. 19, 2012, to try and stop the release of their son's school records.

George Zimmerman Makes Bail With Online Donations Watch Video

George Zimmerman Out on Bail Watch Video

George Zimmerman Faces New Allegations Watch Video Crump also argued that releasing the victim's personal records could set a bad precedent for cases in the future.

"We just think it's terrible precedent to set that a dead child's records are now berated by his murderer as justification for his killing," Crump said. "This is a slippery slope."
Crump said that if the court decides Martin's school records should be included in the trial, then so should Zimmerman's confidential medical records.
In records released by prosecutors earlier this year, Zimmerman was shown to have taken medications on the night of the murder including Librax and Temazapam, which treat digestive problems, anxiety, and sleeplessness.

Zimmerman's attorney, Mark O'Mara, also released records showing that Zimmerman took Adderall, which treats attention disorders, and Omeprazole, which treats digestive problems.
"If the court sees fit to release Trayvon's confidential school records, then we demand the release of George Zimmerman's medical records. They are far more relevant as to why he shot and killed Trayvon Martin on Feb. 26," Crump said.

The Martins also touted their newly-created organization, Change for Trayvon, which aims to change Stand Your Ground laws in 32 states around the country. The law, which Zimmerman has evoked in Travyon's killing, allows individuals to shoot someone if they feel threatened without first having to try to escape the situation.

"I hope you all have not forgotten about my son because I certainly have not forgotten about him," Sybrina Martin said. "It is important to remember Trayvon was a minor. He had just turned 17 years old. He was just a kid up against a grown adult, so it's very difficult. That's the reason we have created the Change for Trayvon committee, to draft legislation that we can take to legislators so they can support us."

The Martin's released a website, ChangeforTrayvon.com, on Tuesday. They are asking for donations to help raise awareness about the law and said all contributions will go directly to elected officials, campaigns, and candidates who advocate for changes to existing legislation.
"Trayvon is dead, and there's nothing we can do to bring him back," Tracy Martin said. "I ask that mothers, daughters, sons, fathers, brothers, and uncles, I ask you to join us in our efforts in becoming ambassadors, becoming spokespersons for Change for Trayvon. We feel as though together we can make a difference."

Sourdough · « **Reply #1 on:** October 19, 2012, 08:54:28 AM »

They don't want the fact that their son was doing drugs, and turning into, if not already, a gang banger.

Conan The Librarian · « **Reply #2 on:** October 19, 2012, 08:58:14 AM »

It's sad when parents let modesty cloud their judgement in a way that can affect a court case. I realize they are just shy about how these records will appear to brag that their child was a top honor student with a disciplinary perfect record, who was deeply respected by his teachers and the school staff, and whose associations brought no character flaws into question.

They need to stop being so idealistic and let the court know how good a kid he really was.

powderman · « **Reply #3 on:** October 19, 2012, 09:57:19 AM »

Quote from: Sourdough on October 19, 2012, 08:54:28 AM

They don't want the fact that their son was doing drugs, and turning into, if not already, a gang banger.

SOURDOUGH. Agreed Sir, poor little trayvon was a punk. I hope it is published. POWDERMAN.

williamlayton · « **Reply #4 on:** October 19, 2012, 11:55:22 AM »

You guys already hung Martin and he is dead-----you gonna dig him up.
How in the world are you gonna prove anything with an arrest record or background check?
The only thing relevant is what happened there that night.
He could be a seial killer but if he was attacked that night or stalked, the other part makes no difference in this trial.
Blessings

buck460XVR · « **Reply #5 on:** October 19, 2012, 12:15:16 PM »

Quote from: williamlayton on October 19, 2012, 11:55:22 AM

The only thing relevant is what happened there that night.
He could be a seial killer but if he was attacked that night or stalked, the other part makes no difference in this trial.

Exactly. While the evidence is overwhelming that Trevor was not a saint, the only actions of his that are important in this trial are the actions he took that night. Last I knew, truancy, smoking pot, petty burglary and gang-banger wannabe are not offenses punishable by death.

Land_Owner · « **Reply #6 on:** October 19, 2012, 12:50:14 PM »

The Parents and Race Baiters used the Court of Public Opinion to coerce the State's Special Prosecutor into reopening the Police Report and along the way racially intimidated the Town of Sanford, Florida into releasing its Chief of Police, cow towing to the TV Circus. All the while the TV, Race Baiters, and Parents portrayed their unfortunate son as a Saint.

For the Defense to request this information is IMO, FAIR, REASONABLE, EQUITABLE and QUID PRO QUO to a Jury for the now debunked photograph still shown by the Media of a 275-pound George Zimmerman, 5-years-ago, looking like it was a mug shot juxtaposed beside a picture of Trayvon Martin when he was 12-year-old. The boy was no Saint and his history is relevant.

nw_hunter · « **Reply #7 on:** October 19, 2012, 01:01:44 PM »

Quote from: Land_Owner on October 19, 2012, 12:50:14 PM

The Parents and Race Baiters used the Court of Public Opinion to coerce the State's Special Prosecutor into reopening the Police Report and along the way racially intimidated the Town of Sanford, Florida into releasing its Chief of Police, cow towing to the TV Circus. All the while the TV, Race Baiters, and Parents portrayed their unfortunate son as a Saint.

For the Defense to request this information is IMO, FAIR, REASONABLE, EQUITABLE and QUID PRO QUO to a Jury for the now debunked photograph still shown by the Media of a 275-pound George Zimmerman, 5-years-ago, looking like it was a mug shot juxtaposed beside a picture of Trayvon Martin when he was 12-year-old. The boy was no Saint and his history is relevant.

It would be to me as a jurist! Especially in a case where there was no clear cut evidence of innocence or guilt It wouldn't be the most important part of determining guilt or innocence, but important in any case.It is fair IMO.

Shu · « **Reply #8 on:** October 19, 2012, 01:36:44 PM »

It is okay for the news media to release a doctored 911 recording making Zimmerman look like he shot Trayvon for being black. The race baiters and haters jumped all over this. When a lot of people said let's wait for the facts to come out. Now the facts are coming out and people don't want to hear them. Suprise ,suprise.

Smoking dope, burglaries and other petty crimes certainly don't warrant death but as I have often said there is more here than what we know. The truth will come out eventually.

Sourdough · « **Reply #9 on:** October 19, 2012, 03:13:07 PM »

The prosecution has pulled out all of Zimmerman's past records, the medications he was taking, and anything they can find about his friends and family. So why not bring out all of Travon's past as well.

The items Travon picked up at the store can be used in conjunction with a certain medication found in the medicine cabinet of the house where Travon was staying. The combination makes a rather potant compound for getting high.

Why does no one believe Zimmerman's account that he was the one being attacked? Everyone still is thinking Poor Travon was innocent and that mean ole Zimmerman had no right to report him looking suspicious. Looking in the windows of houses, and traveling in a random manner. In the court of public opinion no one still wants to wait and see where the evidence leads.

As a person that has been falsely accused on two different occasions, and had my reputation ruined by those that felt I was guilty before the truth came out. I can relate to the person who is tried in a kangaroo court like this. In my case when the truth did finally come out no one wanted to believe it because they would have to admit they were wrong when they jumped to their conclusion. Folks Zimmerman may just be the victim here in more ways than one.

williamlayton · « **Reply #10 on:** October 20, 2012, 01:56:25 AM »

WE don't know and may never know.
That said---ANYTHING that has nothing to do with the events on THAT NIGHT are relevant to guilt or innocence on that night.
That is for both sides.
Blessings

Conan The Librarian · « **Reply #11 on:** October 20, 2012, 04:42:50 AM »

I would want to know all of that stuff if I were on the jury. If the facts are that a choir boy with no history of trouble just happened to encounter a man that killed him, that would be one perception. If the facts are that a drug taking punk with a long record of trouble making and crime happened to encounter a man that killed him, that would be a different perception. We already know that all of the dirt about Zimmerman is in the prosecution's hands and they probably intend to use it. It makes sense to have a complete picture of who both people are.

In the end, if the basic facts are clear, then the jury will decide based on those facts. Otherwise they will use character information and rhetoric as the basis for tie breakers in the decisions they make.

Dee · « **Reply #12 on:** October 20, 2012, 05:05:09 AM »

To say that one's past behavior, and character is not relevant, is pretty silly. One's past behavior and character, are exactly what the "rule of law" goes by when a "REPEAT OFFENDER" is prosecuted for his "latest escapade" as "HABITUAL OFFENDER". One's past behavior is almost always considered.
A repeated DWI offender, for example would only be prosecuted for THIS ONE OFFENSE, despite his convictions for 10 previous. Some need to wake up and smell the coffee.

williamlayton · « **Reply #13 on:** October 20, 2012, 08:26:23 AM »

Ones past history is certainly useable by the judge and jury in sentence---NOT in guilt or innocence.
You know that DEE.
Why, if there is a doubt in your mind of guilt would one ever use past history to convict.
In this case---if you see evidence to convict Z---why would you use evidence of Martin's past to let Z go free?
Blessings

Dee · « **Reply #14 on:** October 20, 2012, 02:33:41 PM »

William, this case is so tainted, and political, it has very little to do with right or wrong, and everything to do with RACE. Travon has been painted as a "saint" with cute little 12 year old boy pics, while Zimmerman has been painted as a "racist wannabe cop", slash vigilante. His 911 taped call in has been edited to make him appear so, and played coast to coast, on TV and radio.
Your trying to paint this as a "run of the mill" case, and it is not even close to that. Why would YOU, William think that it is alright to look into Zimmerman's past, and NOT into Martin's past. That's pretty one-sided isn't it? Why would YOU use FABRICATED evidence to convict Zimmerman?

williamlayton · « **Reply #15 on:** October 20, 2012, 09:48:56 PM »

I don't want to fabricate ANY evidence Dee. I don't want any evidence which is not evidence of what happened in this instance---it is immaterial.
If the only evidence is one mans story---so be it.
Now, I disagree, with most of you boys here.
This is the way I see it: In the aftermath of the shooting, the officer who responded wanted to file charges. He was overruled.
This started the firestorm of reporting.
The state has said, in the reports which I have read, that there IS evidence of foul play on the part of Zimmerman.
Now, I don't know anything---neither does anyone else here. I would like it to go to a jury and let them hear the evidence of what happened THAT night, piece it all to gether and come to a conclusion.
That is what I have said all along---that is all that is necessary. Z and his side were the first to sling mud. I don't give a hoot about mud. I think there should be a trial.
Blessings

Dee · « **Reply #16 on:** October 21, 2012, 03:47:27 AM »

Until the malcontents started a "racist hubbub" the DA was not interested in the case, and it had been closed. The prosecutor is the state and it was done under pressure of Sharpton, Jackson, and other poop stirrers.

Shu · « **Reply #17 on:** October 21, 2012, 04:45:50 AM »

If it weren't for outright lies of the news media this trial would never have taken place.
Pictures of an innocent young boy displayed, falsified 911 tape, and the out right lies told about Zimmerman. The media and a few have already convicted Zimmerman looking at "real evidence."

Zimmerman actually did have injuries consistant with his head being slammed into the ground. These were hidden by the media for awhile. Makes you wonder how else evidence is being hidden.

Does each persons history matter in this case? I am not sure. If you just look at the facts of the case a neighborhood watch person called the police. He was then attacked and a shot was fired. Martin was dead. That is what we do know without having sexed up tapes by the media.

powderman · « **Reply #18 on:** October 21, 2012, 07:05:31 AM »

If anyone finds a copy of trayvons school records please post it. POWDERMAN.

Land_Owner · « **Reply #19 on:** October 21, 2012, 08:40:46 PM »

...right alongside Obama's school records, birth certificate, passport, reason Michelle is disbarred...

Shu · « **Reply #20 on:** October 22, 2012, 05:53:19 AM »

In some cases a persons history will definitely tell you what sort of person you are dealing with.
If Martins history shows a propensity for violence it should be brought forth. If his history shows typical school boy stuff, cutting some classes smoking some weed etc I don't believe it is relevant.

Awf Hand · « **Reply #21 on:** October 22, 2012, 10:09:55 AM »

With a case like this, the character of both individuals (Zimmerman and Martin) involved in the altercation will be entered and presented. I'd have doubts that prosecution would be able to suppress records from Martin. Too many are public record already. We'll see what happens.

As far as the jury only needing to know what happened that night and passing judgement on that... No. The court system doesn't work that way. Even in small claims court a history of X can taint the credibility of a plaintiff, defendant or witness and sully the "facts" that may be presented for edification. "Character" translates to another form of "evidence", and it has been and will be used as long as we have a judicial system.

Zimmerman has the only eyewitness account of what happened that evening and dishonesty from his recent or distant past, either of record or offered by prosecution-called individuals (each of whom having potentially underminable "character" as well) can undermine his case. Look at the OJ trial and the Mark Fuhrman dissection...

The lawyer defending Zimmerman will use any tool at his/her disposal to make a jury believe that Martin would launch a potentially deadly attack on Zimmerman, from which Zimmerman may have needed to employ deadly force as a deterrant, because his (Martin's) character showed patterns of aggression. Evidence of that character obtained by either witnesses or records.

williamlayton · « **Reply #22 on:** October 22, 2012, 12:06:26 PM »

This is a criminal case and the rules of evidence are vastly different than Civil cases.
In most instances in criminal cases a judge will not allow a persons arrest record to be presented as evidence of anything.
This is Fla. and we will have to see.
Now----when first reported, the police were going to file charges and the DA said no---if you want to bring race into this, then wh started the race thing? The local DA.!
Blessings

Casull · « **Reply #23 on:** October 22, 2012, 01:54:07 PM »

Quote

Now----when first reported, the police were going to file charges and the DA said no---if you want to bring race into this, then wh started the race thing? The local DA.!

Now, that is a bit of a leap in logic. The police do not file charges (they do seek them, however). So, because the DA (who is responsible for filing and prosecuting charges) did not think charges should have been sought, and a SINGLE (as I recall) police officer thought they should, THEN the DA somehow brought race into the mix? Is that pretty much your thought process? Since the DA wants to be able to win prosecutions, they OFTEN do not file charges that police officers request. It has nothing to do with race (unless you have some evidence that it does).

OldSchoolRanger · « **Reply #24 on:** October 22, 2012, 07:01:07 PM »

Quote from: Land_Owner on October 19, 2012, 12:50:14 PM

The Parents and Race Baiters used the Court of Public Opinion to coerce the State's Special Prosecutor into reopening the Police Report and along the way racially intimidated the Town of Sanford, Florida into releasing its Chief of Police, cow towing to the TV Circus. All the while the TV, Race Baiters, and Parents portrayed their unfortunate son as a Saint.

For the Defense to request this information is IMO, FAIR, REASONABLE, EQUITABLE and QUID PRO QUO to a Jury for the now debunked photograph still shown by the Media of a 275-pound George Zimmerman, 5-years-ago, looking like it was a mug shot juxtaposed beside a picture of Trayvon Martin when he was 12-year-old. The boy was no Saint and his history is relevant.

Well said! What's good for the goose is also good for the gander!

Shu · « **Reply #25 on:** October 23, 2012, 01:51:21 AM »

The DA didn't make this a race thing, the doctored 911 tape produced by the media did. Sharpton jumped on it and helped it spiral out of control. Not to mention Spike Lee posting the wrong address for Martin.

williamlayton · « **Reply #26 on:** October 23, 2012, 02:53:53 AM »

Shu
All of this went down before the 911 tape thing.
I am asking a bit more than can be offered, I think---Still, I would like for this thing to be tried once and for all.
I think that it is important. I would like---I didn't say that I would get what I wanted---to understand the mindset of Martin and Z on that night. I think there were two mindsets happening.
One was a person who wanted to be important & another who was wondering why he was being followed and he wanted that to stop.
Blessings

Old Fart · « **Reply #27 on:** October 23, 2012, 03:55:16 AM »

Considering all the discussion this case has caused I hope they release the records when it's done so everyone will have a chance to know the specifics.

45-70.gov · « **Reply #28 on:** October 23, 2012, 04:10:47 AM »

The lawyer defending Zimmerman will use any tool at his/her disposal to make a jury believe that Martin would launch a potentially deadly attack on Zimmerman, from which Zimmerman may have needed to employ deadly force as a deterrant, because his (Martin's) character showed patterns of aggression. Evidence of that character obtained by either witnesses or records.

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bilmac · « **Reply #29 on:** October 23, 2012, 05:55:04 AM »

If the school records showed just a normal kid without any serious problems then you could bet the prosecution would trot them out, and, the jury would be right to consider that information. If the opposite is true they should also be able see the information and use that to make a decision.