Every justice system has its flaws. But the ones in the Florida justice system were, in the eyes of many Americans, exposed to the world when George Zimmerman was acquitted on charges of second-degree murder and manslaughter in the death of 17-year-old Trayvon Martin.
After 56 testimonies, a 16-hour jury deliberation period and a 16-month trial, the final verdict shocked the onlookers who wanted a guilty verdict for Zimmerman. While protests occur across the United States, the six female jury members have chosen to remain anonymous as they fear for their safety.
But, a satirical article in The Onion argues that the jurors aren’t to blame for the verdict — one that allowed Zimmerman to walk free after shooting Martin through the heart with a 9mm pistol. Florida’s pro-gun laws, which allow for the use of deadly force if a person feels threatened, are responsible for any perceived failure of their justice system.
The article, written by a fictional jury member, states that these strict laws prevented them from punishing Zimmerman.
“In a way, though, as much as it makes me absolutely sick to my stomach knowing this man got off scot-free after robbing the Martin family of their son, I’m actually proud that we successfully avoided the intense pressure from the public and stuck to the completely convoluted, idiotic letter of the law,” says the phony juror.
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