Circuit Judge Debra Nelson has limited the evidence George Zimmerman's attorneys can use during his trial, in which he shot the unarmed 17-year-old Trayvon Martin last year, the Associated Press reported. Details about Martin's marijuana, school suspension and fights cannot be used in opening statements, Nelson said.
At a pretrial hearing in Sanford, Florida, Nelson set the rules for what will be a closely watched trial set to begin on on June 10. Judge Nelson also rejected Zimmerman's attorney's request to delay the trial.
Zimmerman is charged with second-degree murder, and has pleaded not guilty, arguing that he acted only in self-defense.
"We have a lot of evidence that marijuana use had something to do with the event Mark O'Mara, Zimmerman's attorney said. "It could have affected his behavior."
While Nelson said that the evidence would not be permitted in opening statements, there still remains the possibility it could eventually be submitted later on in the trial.
Judge Nelson also ruled to keep the identity of juror and potential private, referring to them only by an assigned number. This press is also prohibited from photographing their faces.
Another hearing on June 6 will determine which evidence, including texts and photos found on Martin's phone would be deemed admissible for the trial.
The evidence made public Thursday by Zimmerman's attorneys portray Martin as a troubled and 'wannabe' gangster, news reports suggested. Martin had never been arrested, but had been suspended from school more than once.
The evidence packet contains more than two dozen photos, including one that shows Martin with gold teeth and two of him making an obscene gesture.
