No one was stalking. Zimmerman wasn't stalking.
He was stealthfully following the victim. The victim noticed and felt threatened.
Ergo, Zimmerman was stalking.
I asked the question earlier and nobody answered me, what is the legal definition of stalking?
Here's your answer:
Zimmerman did not stalk Martin, he merely followed him for a brief time. Stalking is a crime, whereas following someone is not. Those who use the word “stalking” do not know what the word means. I think people use the word because it sounds sinister wheres using the words “following” or “observing” doesn't sound bad. Here is the Florida Statute pertaining to stalking:
Florida Statute 784.084
(2) Any person who willfully, maliciously, and repeatedly follows, harasses, or cyberstalks another person commits the offense of stalking, a misdemeanor of the first degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083.
(3) Any person who willfully, maliciously, and repeatedly follows, harasses, or cyberstalks another person, and makes a credible threat with the intent to place that person in reasonable fear of death or bodily injury of the person, or the personÂ’s child, sibling, spouse, parent, or dependent, commits the offense of aggravated stalking, a felony of the third degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082, s. 775.083, or s. 775.084.
The terms “harass and " as used in the above is defined in Section 1 (a) and (b):
(a) “Harass” means to engage in a course of conduct directed at a specific person that causes substantial emotional distress in such person and serves no legitimate purpose.
(b) “Course of conduct” means a pattern of conduct composed of a series of acts over a period of time, however short, evidencing a continuity of purpose. Constitutionally protected activity is not included within the meaning of “course of conduct.” Such constitutionally protected activity includes picketing or other organized protests.
784.048 - - 2011 Florida Statutes - The Florida Senate
Of course, the word “maliciously” means “having or showing a desire to cause harm to someone.” Therefore, in order for Zimmerman to be convicted of stalking, it must be shown that he had a demonstrated a
pattern of following Martin
over a period of time with
the intent to harm him.
Under the law, Zimmerman did nothing which could possibly be construed as stalking as that term is defined by law. Following someone is not stalking him. People use the word stalking because it makes Zimmerman's conduct sound bad.
In this country, if you deck someone just because he is following you (as Zimmerman was following Martin) you can expect to go to jail. You don't get to pummel someone just because you don't like what they're doing.
