If there is a guilty verdict in this case it will because of John Guy. There is no disrespect to the attorneys involved in this case but when it came to putting the pieces of this case together John Guy brought it to the house. His passion and being able to bring ALL of the testimony and evidence that HELPS the State was well done. Not only was the argument effective but the word choices FOR this jury was on point. I guess we will see if the State was able to pull out ANY conviction based on the evidence they have presented.
Closing Arguments in: State of Florida v. Zimmerman
As the Zimmerman trial comes to an end, and closing arguments start tomorrow, the most important thing is what charges will the jury be able to choose from in delivering a verdict. The lesser and included charges are going to dictate the results of this case. As both sides have spent a majority of the past year working on this case it is all coming to an end and it will be in the hands of the 6 women who make up the jury. As the debate of jury instructions will play out, in my opinion, this is what will help navigate the outcome of this case. No matter what happens a child is dead and nothing can bring that back, not even a guilty verdict.
Pregnant and Dating…
Pregnant and Dating is a show on “WeTv”. (http://www.wetv.com/shows/pregnant-and-dating) The premise is simple, it is about 5 women who are pregnant and are dating. I have seen only a couple of episodes but it is an interesting concept - women who are pregnant and are no longer with or on speaking terms with their partners. Each one of these women have different stories and come from different parts of the country.
Not only does the show deal with the dating aspect but the perspective I find most intriguing is these women going through the pregnancy experience and not having the partner there to support and comfort them during the process. I guess I will continue watching to see how it all turns out.
Jahvaris Fulton in Court
The testimony of Jahvaris Fulton in court today was not only crucial but showed a different side of Trayvon Martin that has been portrayed by the defense. As a eldest brother who has two younger brothers I could not imaging losing one of my brothers in such a tragic event.
Javaris’ testimony painted a picture of a brotherly relationship and I think paints a picture of a family that has suffered a tragic loss and the State should have ended with Travyon’s brother. No matter the results of this case a child is dead.
4th of July
We live in the best country on this planet. As many of us celebrated the 4th of July with barbeques, parties, fireworks, the beach, etc., we should have taken a moment to realize that we are able to live, work, and play in these United States because of our spirit. Part of our spirit is the solider and his/her family that has given his or her life for our country. If you look at the solider regardless of their gender, sexual orientation, race, ethnicity, religion, or any other individual characteristics he/she has one thing in common, they all stand and represent the United States of America.
So take the time and think about the past, present and future soldiers and their families and about the time they give to our county and her people.
Scientific Research or Commercial Whaling?
Is Japan catching whales for scientific research or is it for commercial whaling as Australia is arguing? Currently, this issue is being debated in front of the International Court of Justice in The Hague and a ruling should come down in the near future.
You can read more about this at: http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/06/26/us-australia-japan-whaling-idUSBRE95O1HI20130626
Jason Collins and Family
Jason Collins came out as the first openly gay player in the NBA. Every family is unique but all families have certain common components that make a family and the Collins family is no different. As the times change and people are feeling more comfortable to be themselves, we as a society can only improve. Remember you should never judge a person until you walk a mile in that person’s shoes. Imagine the life that Jason had to lead while hiding who he is and hiding a part of what makes him Jason Collins?
Lil Wayne not a Unique Situation…
As a Lil Wayne fan, I am saddened by the alleged reports that have come out over the past years about him being addicted to Sizzurp (codeine). Whether or not these allegations are true, I am also saddened by the amount of young individuals who are addicted to legal or illegal substances. It has been reported tonight through many sources that Lil Wayne is back in the hospital (http://www.tmz.com/2013/03/15/lil-wayne-seizures-hospitalized-drugs-sizzurp-critical-condition-icu/).
Unfortunately, as a Family Law practitioner I have seen my fair share of young adults involved with their own substance abuse issues. As a result, the issues Lil Wayne is facing are not unique to just him, but to many adults. Ultimately, this substance abuse hurts not just the user but the extended family. Recognizing you have an issue is a big part of moving forward in your life. Family Law and Rehabilitation are both about moving forward with your life in the best possible manner.
Judge Judy Being Sued for China?
Judge Judy is allegedly being sued because she bought china from one of her producers. Generally, this would not be an issue, however, when there is a divorce and the china is in dispute it should be sold, let alone allegedly sold at an undervalued price. (http://www.foxnews.com/entertainment/2013/03/12/report-judge-judy-sued-over-expensive-dishes/)
According to TMZ, a producer of the Judge Judy show (which I love watching), sold to the Honorable Judge Sheindlin china plates and other accessories at a bargain price, while the producer was going through a divorce.
Whether or not this is a frivolous lawsuit, it is important to remember that if you are involved in a divorce matter you have to make sure you do not sell marital property without the consent of the other spouse. Divorce can be a contentious and bitter experience for some and sometimes third parties may be dragged into the divorce for one reason or another.
How Do I Report Abuse in the State of Florida?
There are many ways to report suspected abuse in the State of Florida. You can report abuse in the following ways:
1. By Telephone: 1-800-96ABUSE (1-800-962-2873)
2. By Fax: 1-800-914-0004s
3. By TDD: 1-800-453-5145
4. Web Reporting: https://reportabuse.dcf.state.fl.us
If you believe a child is endangered you should make a report because you never know if that contact with the department may save a child’s life. If you need more information on reporting abuse and what is considered abuse you may to visit http://www.myflfamilies.com/service-programs/abuse-hotline and/or http://www.myflfamilies.com/service-programs/abuse-hotline/howtoreport.