The effort to ensure fairness in the trial of George Zimmerman, who’s accused of second-degree murder in the shooting of Florida teenager Trayvon Martin, got a big boost last week.
An appellate court bounced Seminole County Circuit Judge Kenneth Lester from the case. Lester had used harsh language in a new bail hearing for Zimmerman, declaring that “under any definition, the defendant has flouted the system” and tried to “manipulate the system.”
He said it was his “personal opinion” that Zimmerman lied during the initial bail hearing and that contempt hearings might be in his future (his wife is already facing perjury charges). Such rhetoric, the court determined, created a cloud that Lester was biased against the defendant.
There’s more: Lester released a statement from a woman claiming Zimmerman molested her when they were kids, though both the defense and prosecutors agreed it was prejudicial.
To ensure fairness to all parties in this high-profile, racially charged case, there’s no question the judge had to go. Trouble is, it’s not clear if his replacement is much better.
Taking over for him is Circuit Judge Debra Nelson, who is already partially involved in the case: Nelson has been overseeing the perjury charges against Zimmerman’s wife. Plus, she’s thought to be generally friendly toward prosecutors.
From the moment this case burst into the national eye and sympathies understandably ran high for the African-American teen — who was unarmed — the challenge of ensuring impartiality has been great.
It didn’t help that the usual racial provocateurs, and even many in the media, quickly deemed Zimmerman guilty beyond doubt, and never mind the trial. Some of Zimmerman’s supporters also inflamed racial passions.
But the defendant — like all defendants — is owed a fair trial. Indeed, it’s even more important in this case, where some folks are certain to be suspicious of the verdict, no matter which way it goes.
Removing Judge Lester was essential.
Let’s hope justice prevails throughout the rest of the case, too.