Though, now that you say it... should a murder being premeditated come into play in a trial? The planning of the murder all goes on in someone's head - does upgrading a manslaughter charge to a murder charge constitute "thought policing?" Just curious as to where you draw the line with regards to the "thought police."
That determination is usually based on evidence of prior planning to commit the murder, or to deal with the body/evidence after the fact.
For example, did the defendant plan when, where, and how to commit the crime?
...anyhow, do you happen to recall what happened because Zimmerman chose to follow Martin, whether or not that decision was made based on race? The death of Martin as a consequence of potential racial profiling is what the DOJ is being pressured to investigate.
I think it's worth looking into, and seeing if there's any evidence to make a case. You don't, and that's cool too. That's why opinions exist.
Based on the outcome of the case, what happened is that the prosecution could not prove beyond a reasonable doubt, that Zimmerman followed Martin with the intent to do any harm to Martin.
What's being overlooked consistently, is that it's not illegal for one person to follow another.
Creepy? Weird? Unpleasant? Yes.
Illegal? No.
Regardless of the motivation, and whether it is in whole, or in part, based on race.
That somebody is following you is not a legal justification to run up ahead, hide, and then jump that person.
That's assault, and it is illegal.
My opinion is this case should never have existed in the first place.
