Trayvon Martin’s family is considering whether to sue George Zimmerman in civil court for liability over the death of the unarmed black teenager.
George Zimmerman’s attorney, however, is convinced that his client is immune from such a suit.
Having already admitted to shooting Trayvon Martin and with the burden of proof lower in civil court than in criminal court, George Zimmerman may not emerge victorious from such a lawsuit.
While no estimates have yet been floated as to the amount of financial liability, George Zimmerman may face in a civil suit, Trayvon Martin’s family already settled with the town of Sanford, Florida, and the gated community Zimmerman shot the teenager in while patrolling as a volunteer neighborhood watchman.
The housing complex doled out over $1 million to the grieving family, according to the Orlando Sentinal.
Mark O’Mara, George Zimmerman’s attorney, says his client is immune from liability.
“If someone believes that it’s appropriate to sue George Zimmerman, then we will seek and we will get immunity in a civil hearing,” Mark O’Mara said in a post-verdict press conference, adding: “We will see just how many civil lawsuits are spawned from this fiasco.”
Florida law would also prevent George Zimmerman from selling the rights to his story for a book or movie deal in order to pay for a civil suit should he be found liable for Trayvon Martin’s death, according to televised media reports.
George Zimmerman could also face trial on federal civil rights abuses in the death of Trayvon Martin.
The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) and the Reverend Al Sharpton are working towards making that happen.
The NAACP with a petition addressed directly to US Attorney General Eric Holder and Al Sharpton with planned meetings with community leaders in Florida and likely rallies to follow.
