The George Zimmerman murder trial taking place in Florida is a perfect example of why there should be cameras in all courtrooms.  As observed by Jeffrey Tobin, The New Yorker writer and CNN legal commentator, in the July 3, 2013 National Journal article, The Political War Over Trayvon Martin, the media appears to be affecting the public perception of Mr. Zimmerman’s guilt or innocence depending on the media outlet being watched.  But if the public watches the trial itself, each can see and hear firsthand what is presented and can come to his/her own conclusions.

2012 Trayvon Martin Case (Photo credit: werthmedia)

We at LPR are riveted by the in-courtroom coverage of the trial (and the blow-by-blow HLN online coverage when we cannot watch the trial). While most watching the media coverage and/or the trial are fortified in their opinions of what transpired that fateful night, and many watch with an open mind, LPR is noticing something else. We are struck by being able to observe the performance of the attorneys in the courtroom.

There are the – at times – masterful cross-examination of the prosecution’s witnesses by Mr. Zimmerman’s attorneys, Mark O’Mara and Don West.  The prosecutors, Bernie de la Rionda and John Guy, have been making the most of the inconsistencies in Mr. Zimmerman’s version of the events while having to work around certain unfavorable testimony from their own witnesses.  The nuances of the presentations, and the moves and counter moves by each side, provide an example of how attorneys should perform, and – at times – how they should not.

From a legal consumer perspective, the opportunity to observe this trial is priceless.

You’ve got options.  The Center for Legal Practice Reform can help you navigate the attorney/client relationship and level the playing field.  Call LPR today for a free consultation – (301) 351-7970.