General Discussion

Control-Z

(15,682 posts) Thu Feb 13, 2014, 07:20 PM Feb 2014

Why does Michael Dunn have 12 jurors?

Zimmerman had only 6 In the same state. I don't understand. Anyone?

6 replies

= new reply since forum marked as read

Highlight:

Why does Michael Dunn have 12 jurors? (Original Post) Control-Z Feb 2014 OP

First degree murder vice 2nd degree murder hack89 Feb 2014 #1

In Florida HappyinLA Feb 2014 #2

So where is the advantage? Control-Z Feb 2014 #4

Walk into two rooms Boom Sound 416 Feb 2014 #5

In Florida, 1st degree murder gets 12 jurors, 6 for all other crimes. davidn3600 Feb 2014 #3

plus there are 4 alternates a kennedy Feb 2014 #6

hack89

(39,171 posts)

1. First degree murder vice 2nd degree murder

Reply to Control-Z (Original post)

Thu Feb 13, 2014, 07:24 PM

Feb 2014

12 jurors are mandated by law for 1st degree murder trials.

HappyinLA

(129 posts)

2. In Florida

Reply to Control-Z (Original post)

Thu Feb 13, 2014, 07:25 PM

Feb 2014

they have the option of 12 or 6, but only in certain circumstances. Because Dunn has been charged with 1st Degree Murder, he automatically gets 12. Zimmerman's highest charge was 2nd Degree, so he could go with 6.

It boils down to the penalty, if you stand to be sentenced with life in prison, then you get 12. Otherwise, you can have 6.

Control-Z

(15,682 posts)

4. So where is the advantage?

Reply to HappyinLA (Reply #2)

Thu Feb 13, 2014, 07:30 PM

Feb 2014

With 6 or 12? Seems like 6 worked to Z's advantage. I would think 1st degree murder would allow for the best case possible for the defendant. Or do I have that backwards.