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‘Wannabe cop,’ ‘vigilante’ among terms approved to describe Zimmerman in court

Katie McHugh Associate Editor
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Prosecutors may refer to George Zimmerman as a ‘”wannabe cop” and a “vigilante” in their opening statements, a judge presiding over Zimmerman’s case ruled Friday.

The prosecution is also allowed to describe his actions as “profiling,” but may not use the words “racial profiling” after Seminole district Judge Debra S. Nelson ruled that prosecutors may employ any language they feel appropriately describes their evidence, although the defense requested that they avoid “inflammatory language,” according to The Miami Herald. 

Judge Nelson did not issue the most anticipated order — one which would allow the all-female jury to hear expert testimony on the implications of the frantic 911 call made during the lethal Feb. 26 struggle.

Zimmerman, a volunteer neighborhood watchman, contends he fatally shot 17-year-old Trayvon Martin in self-defense. He has been charged with second-degree murder.

Opening statements will take place Monday morning.

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