Prosecutor in Zimmerman Case Is Known for Tough Tactics; She Won Election After Being Fired
The special prosecutor in Florida who announced second-degree murder charges against George Zimmerman in the killing of Trayvon Martin on Wednesday doesn’t shy away from controversy.
Angela Corey won the State’s Attorney election in 2008 after she was fired from the office, the Associated Press reports. She had worked there for 25 years, but an intern claimed she had been unprofessional and profane, resulting in her dismissal. Corey disputes the account.
Some have criticized Corey for being too aggressive in prosecutions. “Corey is known for her tough tactics,” AP says, “locking up criminals for long sentences and not negotiating easily on plea bargains. … She has a reputation for filing more charges, bringing more cases to trial and being less likely to use a grand jury than her predecessor.”
A study published this year found that Florida’s Duval County, within Corey’s jurisdiction, has the highest incarceration rate of any Florida jurisdiction with more than a half million people, CNN reports.
Among her most controversial cases is the prosecution of a 12-year-old boy who is facing an adult murder charge for allegedly killing his 2-year-old brother, according to the CNN story. Corey has said she feels compassion for the boy, but “it’s not my job to forgive.”
Related coverage:
ABAJournal.com: “Second-Degree Murder Charge in Trayvon Martin Killing Poses Hurdles for Prosecutors”
ABAJournal.com: “Zimmerman Charged with 2nd-Degree Murder in Trayvon Martin Slaying, Is In Custody”
