A slew of new documents released ahead of the George Zimmerman trial include a list of items the state doesn't want mentioned about Trayvon Martin to the jury, including his performance in school, whether he ever owned or wore a false set of gold teeth, and whether he had ever allegedly been in a fight before the night he was killed.

A total of 12 new documents were made public Monday by the defense, all filed Friday ahead of a deadline for court filings in the Zimmerman trial, set for June 10 in Seminole County.

The following is a summary of the state's requests filed Friday, May 10, 2013. These motions are expected to be heard during a pretrial hearing on Tuesday, May 28.

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Regarding Trayvon Martin

Motion in limine* regarding Trayvon Martin
(
A motin "in limine," from a Latin phrase meaning "at the start," is filed to get certain evidence included at or excluded from trial.)

Here, the state asks the court to prohibit any mention during trial of "certain facts or opinions associated with Trayvon Martin," including whether the 17-year-old:

  • Had ever been suspended from school
  • Had previously used or communicated about marijuana
  • Had ever allegedly been in a fight
  • Had ever posted or had "screen names" on social media
  • Had ever possessed or worn a set of false gold teeth
  • Any aspect of Martin's school records, or his performance in school
  • Any text messages Martin sent or received before the day he was shot
  • Any text messages Martin sent or received on Feb. 26, 2012, "until the relevance and admissibility of the same has been ruled upon by the court."

The state argues such evidence is irrelevant to the trial and the events surrounding his death.

No talk of "appropriate penalty"

Motion in limine regarding opinion as to appropriate penalty or disregard of law

Here, the state wants to block the defense from mentioning Zimmerman's possible punishment if he is found guilty.

The maximum sentence George Zimmerman faces if convicted is life in prison. Prosecutors don't want that to affect the jury's decision of whether Zimmerman is guilty or not guilty of second-degree murder.

In the same motion, the state also said the defense should be prohibited from "insinuating that any juror should disregard the law," or implying that a jury has the power to pardon a defendant.

No talk of failure to call witnesses

State's motion in limine regarding calling of witnesses

Prosecutors want to block the defense from implying that the state failed to call a witness because their testimony would be unfavorable to the prosecution.

No talk of Zimmerman's lack of prior felony convictions

Motion in limine regarding prior criminal history

The state doesn't want the defense to be allowed to mention that George Zimmerman had no previous felony convictions.

This motion cites a previous Florida ruling that a defendant's testimony that he had no prior convictions is "an improper attempt to introduce evidence of general character or reputation."

No "self-serving hearsay"

Motion in limine regarding self-serving hearsay statements of defendant

The state wants to block any "hearsay" statements Zimmerman may have made to witnesses. Evidence deemed hearsay is generally not allowed in court.

No witness opinions on guilt or innocence

Motion to limit/exclude improper opinion evidence

The state wants to make sure the defense does not attempt to ask witnesses whether they think George Zimmerman is guilty, or their opinion regarding his being charged.

The motion cites a previous Florida ruling that "a witness' opinion as to the guilt or innocence of the accused is not admissible."

No mention of marijuana in Trayvon's blood

Motion for protective order/motion in limine regarding toxicology

The state wants to block any mention of any possible traces of marijuana in Trayvon Martin's blood on the night he was killed.

The motion says: "No witness has suggested that the level of marijuana reflected in the victim's blood sample has any bearing whatsoever on the cause of his death. Nor is there any evidence to suggest the victim ingested the marijuana at or even near the time of death; that he was under the influence; or that being under the influence would in any way be relevant to the actions of either victim or the defendant."

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Defense asks for video testimony

In addition to the state's motions, the defense filed their own requests Friday, including one asking to permit testimony by video at an upcoming hearing, saying the defense cannot afford to fly in out-of-state expert witnesses.

In the motion, attorney Mark O'Mara claims the defense "does not have the sufficient funds to pay the witnesses for their travel and extended time, and containment costs."

The defense also filed a motion Friday asking for permission to add two more unnamed witnesses to their list. All witnesses were supposed to be disclosed by April 17.