George Zimmerman Won't Seek Pretrial Immunity Hearing

George Zimmerman appeared in a Florida courtroom Tuesday where he told a judge he won't ask for a pretrial immunity hearing under the state's "Stand Your Ground" law in the Trayvon Martin shooting case.

Zimmerman repeatedly said "yes" to a series of questions from Judge Debra Nelson asking if he was aware he was giving up the right to a pretrial hearing before his second-degree murder trial in June.

A judge would have sole discretion in an immunity hearing to decide if Zimmerman is exempt from culpability in the shooting. A jury would make the determination in the murder trial.

"After consultation with my counsel, yes, your honor," Zimmerman said.

The judge had set aside two weeks at the end of April for an immunity hearing should Zimmerman want one. Prosecutor Bernie de la Rionda had filed a motion asking that Zimmerman make clear his intentions on whether he wanted the hearing.

Zimmerman's defense attorney, Mark O'Mara, told the judge Tuesday there was nothing in the law that required the immunity hearing to take place before Zimmerman's trial and could be requested after prosecutors have presented their case.

"We'd much rather have the jury address the issue of criminal liability or lack thereof," O'Mara said.

Zimmerman has pleaded not guilty, claiming self-defense. The case generated not only controversy but also a nationwide debate on Florida's "Stand Your Ground" law.

In other motions, O'Mara also wanted the court to unseal details on a civil settlement Martin's parents received from Zimmerman's homeowner's association. O'Mara contended the settlement could influence the testimony of Martin's parents, if they are called as witnesses.

The judge said defense attorneys and prosecutors could see full copies of the settlement but the public would only be able to see a version from which some information has been removed.

Zimmerman has sued NBCUniversal for defamation, and the company has strongly denied his allegations.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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