In February of 2012, George Zimmerman shot 17-year-old Trayvon Martin, allegedly in self-defense. The crime sparked a nationwide debate about gun control and racial profiling.
This week, his trial begins. Zimmerman will plead not guilty to second-degree murder for reasons of self-defense. The prosecution argues that Zimmerman racially profiled Martin, who was wearing a dark hooded shirt on that night. A jury of six women has been set.
It’s still unclear whether or not Zimmerman will testify. Defendants often take the stand in self-defense cases, but his lawyers may want to keep him off the stand so he doesn’t say anything harmful to his case.
The trial is sure to be contentious and well-covered in the media.
