Originally Posted By: Matter-eater Man
Zimmerman's past would probably come out before a theoretical countersuit in cross examination wouldn't it? More likely his tendacy to react violently or force himself sexually would be used in a possible wrongful death suit if that is allowed.


As I said above, it is possible it would come out on cross-examination but depending on the laws of the jurisdiction it is possible that only actual convictions would be allowed:
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Most likely, it would come out there, if at all, on cross examination, in an attempt to show an alleged propensity for falsehoods or putting his own needs above society's. Even then, however, depending on the laws of FL, crimes which did not result in a conviction very well could be inadmissible to impeach.


If I were a betting man, I'd say the alleged sex abuse wouldn't come out at all since the probative value would be outweighed by the potential prejudice of allowing discussion of an unproven and stale allegation.