Thoughts on Trayvor Martin

• Florida's "Stand Your Ground" law reads in part: "The justification described in the preceding sections of this chapter is not available to a person who initially provokes the use of force against himself or herself, unless ... in good faith, the person withdraws from physical contact with the assailant and indicates clearly to the assailant that he or she desires to withdraw and terminate the use of force, but the assailant continues or resumes the use of force."


• It is impossible to form an opinion on this case without listening to the 911 tapes.


• George Zimmerman clearly whispered "f***ing coons" to himself on one of the tapes while he was chasing Trayvor. This makes a federal civil rights charge likely if he is not charged in Florida.


• At some point the two men came face to face.


• If Zimmerman's minor injuries are real, as seems likely, then Trayvon did assault him.


• In an interview, Zimmerman's brother says Zimmerman prevented Trayvon from disarming him. But he scrupulously avoided saying Trayvon went for the gun.


• Presumably, Zimmerman pulled the gun from his waist holster, both men believed the other was a criminal who wanted to kill him, and a life and death struggle ensued.


• The screams of help sounded suspiciously like a young black male. But Zimmerman's voice is high pitched, so it is hard to be sure. The voice forensics guys are convinced it is not Zimmerman.


• Naturally the screams become more shrill as the person is losing the struggle. The winner is unlikely to do that.