Not Guilty Verdict and Reaction to the Zimmerman - Martin Case - Today's New, Tomorrow's Lesson July 17, 2013

Peaceful protests following 'not guilty' verdict in Zimmerman-Martin case

George Zimmerman, the Florida neighborhood watch volunteer who shot and killed Trayvon Martin, an unarmed, African-American teenager, has been found not guilty of second-degree murder and manslaughter.

After the verdict was announced on Saturday night, a protest began outside the courthouse in Sanford, Florida. Other demonstrations took place over the weekend in locations across the country, including Washington DC, New York City and Los Angeles. These demonstrations were largely peaceful and non-violent in nature.

President Barack Obama issued a statement about the verdict, in which he called Martin's death a "tragedy". However, he asked Americans "to respect the call for calm reflection from two parents who lost their young son".

During the case, the prosecution contended that Mr Zimmerman intentionally pursued and began an altercation with Martin on February 26 2012 because Mr Zimmerman assumed that Martin was a criminal. The defense, however, stated that Mr Zimmerman shot Martin in self-defense after Martin attacked him.

Mr Zimmerman's defense team did not invoke Florida's "stand-your-ground" law, which states that an individual may justifiably use defend oneself without attempting to leave the situation if he or she feels his or her life is in danger. The law was, however, included in the jury instructions. This expanded definition of self-defense has come under scrutiny as some feel it encourages people to stand and fight rather than attempt to flee conflict situations.

The verdict may not be the end of legal proceedings against Mr Zimmerman; civil rights organizations, including the NAACP, have launched efforts to initiate civil rights charges against him.