I took the time to read everyone's comments. I by no means wish to offend anyone here by posting my own, but here it is and I'll start with my background.
1) I hold a degree in Criminal Justice
2) 15+ year law enforcement veteran
3) Employed by a District Attorney
I see 2 distinct sides in this debate. One side concentrates on the death of a 14 year old, unarmed boy by an armed man who was told to stay in his car. If Zimmerman just stayed in his car this may have never happened and we would just be enjoying our morning coffee. It's the police's job to handle these matters. The other side concentrates on the laws of the state of Florida and the facts of the case as presented by the police/attorney's office. That side points out that Zimmerman broke no laws, he had the right to be where he was, a right to be armed, a police dispatcher has no authority to tell anyone to do anything, and Zimmerman just defended himself from serious bodily injury or death.
What is the purpose of a criminal trial? Present evidence to a jury in regards to criminal allegations brought against a person by the government. The jury is to follow the law and render a judgement based on facts proven beyond a reasonable doubt. The judgement is either rendered Guilty or Not Guilty. If Guilty, the defendant is punished according to the law. If Not Guilty, they go free.
Zimmerman did murder Martin, but the law provides a defense to prosecution in that he claimed self defense. The jury believed it was self defense based on the law and the facts of the case. Therefor the jury followed the law and render a verdict of Not Guilty.
The United States of America is a republic and not a democracy. It was founded on the principle of individual freedom and liberty. Liberty and freedom from what? An oppressive government. A republic is a form of government based on law and not mob rule. Democracy is 2 wolves and a lamb voting on what to have for dinner.
It is my opinion that those who feel George Zimmerman is guilty base that opinion on their own moral philosphy. However, a juror swears an oath to follow the law. In this case the jury did just that.
I think it was best said recently by an east coast man in his city council chambers, "Your dead do not trump my rights."