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Originally Posted by OldMarksman
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Originally Posted by Tom Servo
So, yeah, there's immunity from civil action if the shooting is ruled to be justified self-defense.
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But the outcome of the criminal trial simply answers the question whether or not the evidence proves beyond a reasonable doubt that the act was not justified.
That is not the same as concluding that it was justified.
Thus, his risk of civil liability will remain, regardless.
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Zimmerman specifically waived his right to a pre-trail immunity hearing for the criminal trial.
A Not Guilty verdict in the criminal trial will not automatically confer immunity on Zimmerman. The Florida Supreme Court has ruled that immunity can only be granted by a court after an evidentiary hearing.
If Zimmerman is found Not Guilty in the criminal trial, he would still be subject to a civil action. However, I believe that Zimmerman could file for an immunity hearing with respect to the civil case and having won the criminal trial
might improve his prospects for being granted immunity.