George Zimmerman defense team loses key rulings in Trayvon Martin case

Story by Yahoo News
Written by David T. Cook of the Christian Science Monitor

A Florida judge on Tuesday barred lawyers from mentioning controversial texts and photos by Trayvon Martin in opening arguments – one of several defeats for George Zimmerman's defense.

A judge in Sanford, Fla., ruled Tuesday against George Zimmerman’s defense team on several key issues in preparation for his trial on charges of second-degree murder in the killing of 17-year-old Trayvon Martin in February 2012.

In a two-hour hearing at the Seminole County Courthouse, Circuit Judge Debra Nelson ruled that defense attorneys will not be able to mention Trayvon’s past marijuana use, his suspension from school, or his alleged participation in fights in their opening statements.

The rulings came after Mr. Zimmerman’s defense team recently posted online photos and text messages from Trayvon’s cellphone. The texts included several about being a fighter, smoking marijuana, and being ordered to move out of his home by his mother. The photos included a picture of what appeared to be a .40 caliber handgun, the Orlando Sentinel notes.