" Dead Man " walking !

There is something very disturbing about scenes on television at the conclusion of a trial in Florida.   The very basis of the justice system is to decide the guilt or innocence of the accused by presenting all the facts to a judge and jury - and letting them decide.

This trial has been a classical case of racial profiles predetermining the outcome in the minds of the public.   George Zimmerman ( 29 ) a Hispanic Neighbourhood watch volunteer, was patrolling an estate when he observed black teenager Trayvon Martin ( 17 ) walking back from the shops - wearing a hooded garment.

This led to am altercation in which Martin was shot dead.   Initially, the police declined to lay charges against Zimmerman.   Public outrage erupted and a special counsel was appointed, leading to a " second degree homicide " charge being processed and Zimmerman arrested and sent to trial.

The jury comprised six women, five of whom were white. Zimmerman's defence was that Martin had attacked him and the shooting had been in his defence.  All aspects of the case were widely publicised - and eventually the jury returned a verdict of " not guilty ".

During the trial - and immediately after the verdict was announced - hundreds of demonstrators bearing " Justice for Trayvon " signs flooded the streets of Florida. Zimmerman has received a huge number of death threats, and what is disturbing to many rational people - Hollywood celebrities and racial leaders are baying for Zimmerman's blood - and he is described as a " Dead Man walking " !

We seem to have descended into parallel justice systems.    The " judge and jury " deliverance of justice is only acceptable if the outcome suits the opinion of the mob on the streets.   If if doesn't - the hot heads of the mob take over and deliver their own brand of justice, and that can include an " extra judicial killing " !

There is every chance that if Zimmerman is to survive he will need to change his name and appearance and migrate to another area of the United States.  He will forever live " looking over his shoulder ", fearful that someone will recognise him.

It seems that the " law of the jungle " has replaced  " trial by a jury of peers " in delivering justice in today's world !