Jimmy Carter Issues Surprising Stance on Zimmerman Verdict

"It's not a moral question, it's a legal question..."

Separating himself from many of his left-leaning compatriots, former President Jimmy Carter weighed in on the George Zimmerman verdict. During an interview with WXIA-TV's Brenda Wood, the former commander-in-chief issued a surprising stance, noting that he believes that the jury made the correct decision in acquitting the former neighborhood watch leader.

"I think the jury made the right decision based in the evidence presented because the prosecution inadvertently set the standard so high that the jury had to be convinced that it was a deliberate act by Zimmerman and that he was not defending himself and so forth," Carter said.

Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter presents his opening remarks during a conference on advancing women's rights at The Carter Center, Friday, June 28, 2013, in Atlanta. Carter says religious leaders, including those in Christianity and Islam, share the blame for mistreatment of women and girls across the world. The 88-year-old human rights activist said Friday, that male religious leaders perpetuate misguided doctrines of male superiority, from the Catholic Church forbidding women from becoming priests to some African cultures mutilating the genitals of young girls. Credit: AP

He went on to note that the jury was required to make its decision based on the facts and evidence that were presented during the trial.

"It's not a moral question, it's a legal question and the American law requires that the jury listens to the evidence presented," he added.

Like Obama, the former Democratic president said that he regrets the decision, but accepts the case's end results. As for Zimmerman's future, Carter believes that the verdict will stand, as it cannot be appealed. That said, he noted that the family will possible take civil legal action -- something that has been widely expected.

Watch Carter's comments, below:

(H/T: WXIA-TX)

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