Explanation of Zimmerman Defense’s Motion to Delay Release of Documents

On May 24, we filed a motion regarding specific points of discovery. This motion was filed soon after the prosecution filed a very similar motion requesting certain evidence to be sealed, in addition to the names and addresses of specific witnesses. The defense motion also requests more time to review certain evidence before these items are made public.

As we go through this process, we only ask that the public understand that there are still limits on what information, having been gathered by a broad investigation, is relevant to the criminal case and therefore open for public review. Should the entirety of a person’s private life be disclosed to the public because he or she has been accused, rightfully or wrongfully, of a crime?

This issue is for the Court to decide, and a hearing for consideration of these motions has been set for June 1.

We understand that there is strong public interest in the Zimmerman case, and our motion is not meant to deprive the public of their right to know relevant information. We also understand that media companies have signaled their intentions to press for release of evidence even if the Court should deny the motions.

While it is true that all relevant evidence -- and witnesses -- that are admissible at trial will be released publicly, there are some pieces of information that may be considered irrelevant or otherwise inadmissible, and public scrutiny of them may further negatively affect our ability to seat a fair and impartial jury. That should be the focus when attempting to answer these questions.