Everyone has the right to be in a public place, but if the subject had no desire to be followed - running away being a clear sign that Trayvon did not wish to be followed and was distressed - then it becomes harassment, surely @
Jason?
That's why the verdict isn't sitting particularly well with me: Martin runs before deciding he's had enough of being chased and confronts his pursuer; couldn't his lashing out at Zimmerman be perceived as self-defence? Martin feared for his life as this armed stranger - not exactly a small man - chased him down for no good reason? I sure as hell know that if someone was attempting to chase me I'd confront the guy and, most likely, snap on him if he wouldn't leave me alone.
I completely understand where you're coming from Jason, but I think we can all agree that Zimmerman caused this by chasing Martin based on the fact he had a hoodie on... In the rain. Racial profiling or no racial profiling; the pursuit and subsequent tragedy was entirely unnecessary and preventable.