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Front Page Talking Points

FOR THE WEEK OF JULY 15, 2013

Not guilty verdict in Trayvon Martin case draws strong reactions

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1.gifFind an editorial, opinion column or reader letter about the verdict. List two or more points that are made and tell whether you agree or disagree.

2.gifNow read a news follow-up story about this case and what may be ahead. Discuss whether it's clear, balanced and has enough background. Anything missing?

3.gifTry to find coverage of another situation involving race or a teen-ager. List any similarities and differences with what happened in Sanford, Fla.

A weekend verdict in a nationally watched Florida murder trial sparked newspaper columns, social media debate and protests Sunday around the country. George Zimmerman, who patrolled his neighborhood as a civilian watchman, was found not guilty in the 2012 shooting death of an unarmed 17-year-old, Trayvon Martin. Zimmerman, who thought Martin might be a burglar, had called police and was told not to follow the teen. He did so anyway and told detectives he acted in self-defense during a scuffle with the student.

After the verdict by a six-woman jury on a state criminal charge, the NAACP and other groups began pushing for a federal inquiry into whether Martin's civil rights had been violated. "Justice failed Trayvon Martin and his family," said Roslyn Brock, chair of the NAACP. "We call immediately for the Justice Department to conduct an investigation. . . . This case has re-energized the movement to end racial profiling in the United States."

In Washington, President Obama appealed for restraint by those who feel frustrated. "I know this case has elicited strong passions. And in the wake of the verdict, I know those passions may be running even higher," he said in a statement Sunday. "I now ask every American to respect the call for calm reflection from two parents who lost their young son."

Defense attorney says: "If you don't know it, it hasn't been proven. You can't connect the dots for the state attorney's case, you're not allowed to do it." – Mark O'Mara in closing argument to jury last Friday

Protest organizer says: "We had to march to even get a trial. And even at trial, when he's exposed over and over again as a liar, he is acquitted." – Al Sharpton of New York

Columnist says: "If Zimmerman had stayed in his vehicle and not pursued the teenager, Martin would have made it home for the second half of the N.B.A. All-Star Game he had been watching and today he would be one year older." – Charles Blow, The New York Times

Front Page Talking Points is written by Alan Stamm for NIEonline.com, Copyright 2024

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Common Core State Standard
SL.CCS.1/2/3/4 Grades 6-12: An essay of a current news event is provided for discussion to encourage participation, but also inspire the use of evidence to support logical claims using the main ideas of the article. Students must analyze background information provided about a current event within the news, draw out the main ideas and key details, and review different opinions on the issue. Then, students should present their own claims using facts and analysis for support.