For jurors to convict Zimmerman of second-degree murder, or of a lesser charge of manslaughter, the prosecution had to prove, beyond a reasonable doubt, that Zimmerman intentionally killed Martin out of spite, hatred, or evil intent.
#DOES ACQUITTED MEAN NOT GUILTY TRIAL#
Charged with second-degree murder, Zimmerman stood trial from June 10, through July 13, 2013. George Zimmerman, the neighborhood watch captain in a Florida neighborhood, was accused of murdering 17-year old Trayvon Martin on February 26, 2012. This is one example of how some charges in a trial may be issued a judgment of acquittal, while others in the same trial receive a guilty verdict. Counts 4, 5, 6, and 7 – Providing False Information to Law Enforcement – Guilty.Count 3 – Aggravated Manslaughter of a Child – Not Guilty (acquittal).Count 2 – Aggravated Child Abuse – Not Guilty (acquittal).Count 1 – First Degree Murder – Not Guilty (acquittal).In a trial that began on May 24, and ended on July 5, 2011, the jury returned a mixed verdict: In the civil case, every member of the jury found a preponderance of evidence, which is the burden of proof in civil cases, that Simpson was liable for damages for wrongful death.Ĭasey Anthony, accused of the 2008 murder of her 2-year old daughter, Caylee, was charged with capital murder, aggravated child abuse, aggravated manslaughter of a child, and four counts of providing false information to law enforcement. Simpson was later sued for $40 million by the victims’ families in civil court. In this case, renowned defense attorney Johnnie Cochran successfully instilled a reasonable doubt in the minds of the jurors about the integrity of the DNA evidence submitted, as well as other issues, such as an ill-fitting glove that led to the famous quote turned pop culture motto, “ If the glove doesn’t fit, you must acquit.”īecause an acquittal is not proof of a defendant’s innocence, but rather a lack of irrefutable proof of guilt, O.J. The 8-month trial began in November 1994, and ended on October 3, 1995, when the jury acquitted Simpson. Simpson faced two counts of murder following the violent deaths of his ex-wife, Nicole Brown Simpson, and her friend, Ronald Lyle Goldman.
#DOES ACQUITTED MEAN NOT GUILTY PROFESSIONAL#
In what was perhaps the most widely viewed trial in American history, retired professional football star O.J.
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