Zimmerman's Lawyers Explain Why They Filed Discovery Motion (DETAILS)

Posted May 25, 2012 by The Decider for Global Grind Staff

George Zimmerman’s defense fund has released a statement explaining why they filed a motion to delay the release of documents surrounding the Trayvon Martin shooting.

STORY: They Need More Time! Zimmerman Lawyers Want 30 Days To Review Evidence

As reported by GZLegalcase.com:

On May 24, we filed a motion regarding specific points of discovery. This motion was filed soon after the prosecution filed a very similar motion requesting certain evidence to be sealed, in addition to the names and addresses of specific witnesses.

The defense motion also requests more time to review certain evidence before these items are made public.

We understand that there is strong public interest in the Zimmerman case, and our motion is not meant to deprive the public of their right to know relevant information.

We also understand that media companies have signaled their intentions to press for release of evidence even if the Court should deny the motions.

While it is true that all relevant evidence -- and witnesses -- that are admissible at trial will be released publicly, there are some pieces of information that may be considered irrelevant or otherwise inadmissible, and public scrutiny of them may further negatively affect our ability to seat a fair and impartial jury. That should be the focus when attempting to answer these questions.

Yesterday Zimmerman’s attorney Mark O'Mara filed a seven-page document asking Judge Kenneth Lester for a 30-day period to review evidence in the case before it is made public.

O'Mara argued that some evidence the state has collected may be inadmissible and could inflame tensions in the racially charged controversy.

However the second round of discovery evidence won't be ready for release until next Thursday the earliest.

Both sides, the state and the defense, had also asked the judge to withhold the names and addresses of witnesses in the case as he has set a hearing for next Friday on the state's motion to seal evidence in the case.

SOURCE: GZLegalcase