by Patrick H. Moore
Well-known celebrity defense lawyer Robert Shapiro appeared on the Piers Morgan Show on Wednesday night to discuss the George Zimmerman trial. Shapiro, as you might remember, was O.J. Simpson’s lawyer and was instrumental in successfully defending him against the charge of murdering Nicole Brown Simpson. According to previous statements, the prosecution is scheduled to wrap up its case Friday morning by calling Trayvon Martin’s parents to the stand.
Watching Piers Morgan lob the questions at Shapiro and listening to his answers reminds us why certain legal experts make a great deal of money. Morgan’s questions were limited in number and right on point and Shapiro, who was named one of “The 100 Most Influential Lawyers in America” by the National Law Journal, provided clear and precise answers and gave the impression that he is one trial lawyer who knows exactly what he is talking about.
Noting that Martin’s parents are going to be testifying Friday morning, Morgan asked Shapiro how Zimmerman’s defense team can best handle the cross-examination. Shapiro answered by stating that the best policy when questioning a victim’s parents, or any grieving relative for that matter, is to be brief, respectful and non-inflammatory. For example, it is anticipated that Martin’s parents will state, perhaps emphatically, that the screaming voice on the neighbor’s tapes was their son’s, not Zimmerman’s. Shapiro’s message was that it would be best for Zimmerman’s team to not challenge Martin’s parents, rather let them have their say and then get on with it.
Morgan pointed out that another famous defense attorney, Mark Geragos, has been extremely critical of the manner in which the state has prosecuted the case. Rather than comment on Gergos’ statements directly, Shapiro noted that he’s seen no evidence of malice on the part of Zimmerman, and surmised that had the prosecution submitted a charge of manslaughter – as opposed to murder – their chances of winning would have been exponentially greater:
”Here is what happens in these types of cases: the prosecution generally over-charges in a case that’s a high-profile case, and the other thing is they over-try the case. They call many witnesses that are totally unnecessary. They call a witness to tell you that if you hit your head on the ground, you may bleed. That insults the jury.”
Morgan asked Shapiro:
“Is there anything to be gained, Robert, by Zimmerman taking the stand, given the amount of material from his own mouth that we’ve already heard?”
Shapiro acknowledged that much could be gained:
“Yes. The jury can see him, look him in the eye, and that’s the best way to make a determination if you’re believing that person was actually in fear for his life.”
However, despite the potential value of Zimmerman’s testimony, Shapiro admitted that it’s a very dangerous play:
“There’s tremendous risk, and that is anxiety, nervousness, inconsistencies, you say something a little bit different than you said it before,” he explained. “That chair is the most difficult chair in the world to sit in. I don’t care how good a witness you are.”
Morgan agreed whole-heartedly and recalled that years ago he had been called as a witness, had been subjected to intense cross-examination, and had felt substantial anxiety.
Being a good trial defense lawyer or a good prosecutor, for that matter, reminds me of the old Kenny Rogers song, “The Gambler”:
You got to know when to hold ‘em, know when to fold ‘em,
Know when to walk away and know when to run.
You never count your money when you’re sittin’ at the table.
There’ll be time enough for countin’ when the dealin’s done.
And in the case of the George Zimmerman trial, “the dealin’” will soon be “done.” Hold onto your hats, everyone. No matter which way this case goes, there are going to be some very unhappy and vocal people all over America.
Click here to read our earlier George Zimmerman trial posts:
George Zimmerman Trial: Why Has the State Dropped the Ball So Badly?
George “Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde” Zimmerman Had a History of Violence
Why the Case Against George Zimmerman Is Strong Enough for a Conviction
George Zimmerman Unlikely to Be Convicted of 2nd-Degree Murder
George Zimmerman Trial: Top Five Moments in First Week of Testimony
George Zimmerman Trial: John Good’s Testimony Is “Good News” for Zimmerman
George Zimmerman Trial: Key State Witness Rachel Jeantel Goes Toe-to-Toe with Zimmerman Defense Team
George Zimmerman Was on a Dangerous Drug Cocktail at Time of Trayvon Martin’s Shooting Death
George Zimmerman Trial: Trayvon Martin Death Photos Dominate Day 12