Self-defense in Florida: 20 years for a black woman -- but acquittal for Georgie Zimmerman

We live in the land of equality and justice for all, don't we?   Then explain this.

Two cases in Florida:

#1.  In 2012 Marissa Alexander, a 31 year old black woman and mother, estranged from her abusive husband, found herself in confrontation with him.   Armed with the gun she had been licensed to carry to defend herself against this man, and now fearing another life-endangering beating from him, she fired a warning shot above his head, which lodged in the ceiling.

Charging her with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, District Attorney Angela Corey took the case to trial and won a conviction and the mandatory minimum sentence of 20 years in jail, despite the self-defense claim and documented history of abuse.    On appeal, a new trial was ordered because of incorrect instructions to the jury.   DA Corey planned to prosecute the case again herself, only this time she asked for a 60 year sentence -- in a case where no one was hurt by the charged actions.    Ms. Alexander chose to accept a plea bargain of the 3 years already served plus two years of house arrest.

#2.  The 2014 George Zimmerman trail needs only a brief recap.   A self-appointed neighborhood guard, the Hispanic Zimmerman spotted the black teenager Trayvon Martin walking in the neighborhood toward the home where he was staying with his father.   There had been some recent break-ins in the neighborhood.  Zimmerman, who was armed and not in uniform, thought Martin looked suspicious and began following him.   Martin only carrying a bag of candy and a soda that he had bought at the nearby convenience store.    A fight ensued, Martin at one point was getting the better of him -- and Zimmerman shot and killed him, claiming that Martin had jumped him from behind and that he feared for his life.    He was acquitted.

The same DA, Angela Corey, prosecuted this case and obtained the acquittal she sought.

Marissa Alexander harmed no one by her warning gunshot above the head of her abusive, threatening husband.   She got 20 years and a DA who wanted to try her again and put her away for 60 years.

Georgia Zimmerman killed an unarmed teenager.   And he was acquitted.

Both claimed self-defense.  Both times the prosecutor got what she asked for:   20 years for one, acquittal for the other.   Is this justice?

Ralph