Does anyone here think we should punish the jurors?�
the jurors were following the instructions of the court. this verdict came about because of the narrow definitions of the crime and the creation of reasonable doubt of the defense team, not the ignorance or stupidity of the jurors. court cases, especially cases like this, are very specific about what evidence the jurors can consider and what criteria they have to follow when deciding the case. its never as simple as a "right or wrong" decision. our court system is supposed to favor the defendant. the burden of proof in on the prosecution. of course it doesn't always work that way, but the concept is that it is better for a guilty person to go free then an innocent person be convicted.
i personally don't agree with this verdict, but there is obviously some evidence the public isn't privy to that changed the outcome of this case so none of us can really play armchair quarterback because none of us have all of the facts. If I had to speculate, I would think that there may have been a point where Trayvon used force that went beyond his own self-defense and into aggravated assault/attempted murder. That may or may not have been the case, but all there needs to be in the minds of the jurors is reasonable doubt and they HAVE to vote not guilty.
I think this creates a VERY dangerous precedent. As skaters, we all have encountered some over zealous citizen trying to be a hero and "protect the streets" at our expense. I don't know about any of you, but if some random citizen came up to me talking crazy and, god forbid, put his hands on me, I would beat the ever living fuck out of him. This decision says that the aggressor would be in the right, and someone defending themselves not only deserves to die, but to be vilified as well.