Greta Van Susteren vs. Trayvon Martin Family Attorney Who Claims to Be a 'Social Engineer': 'I'll Put My Career up Against Yours Any Day You Want!

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Trayvon Martin family attorney Jasmine Rand, in a fiery debate Monday with TV host Greta Van Susteren, claimed she (Rand) is a “social engineer” first and a lawyer second.

The debate began with Rand criticizing the outcome of the George Zimmerman trial.

“I don’t think that they properly considered the evidence,” Rand said. “If they had listened to the evidence and they had followed the law, then George Zimmerman would have been convicted of murder.”

“You’re a lawyer, right?” Van Susteren interjected. “It’s your duty — it’s not mine, it’s not yours, or anybody else — but it’s the jury’s duty to weigh [the evidence]. All of the sudden, suddenly, afterwards you say they can’t do their job?”

“I have a greater duty beyond being an attorney, and that’s to be a social engineer,” Rand responded. “And when the law doesn’t get it right, I believe that we have the right to peacefully, and morally, conscientiously object to the decision of the jury.”

If you’re “deeply disturbed” by Rand’s claim that it’s her job to be a “social engineer,” you’re not alone; Van Susteren is right there with you. The host cautioned Rand, reminding her that many of those who have expressed strong feelings about the outcome of the trial may not have paid very close attention to, you know, that actual trial.

“This social engineering? I don’t know. That’s more like social manipulation,” Van Susteren said. “Justice is presented in a courtroom with both sides having an opportunity. That’s justice.”

“Courtrooms do not always deliver justice,” Rand said. “You’re aware of the civil rights movement.”

“I bet if we put my career up next to yours in terms of yours on civil rights and what we’ve done in a courtroom for poor people, I’ll put my career up against yours any day you want, Jasmine,” Van Susteren responded. “I just don’t criticize juries.”

Rand went on to explain that she meant “social engineering” in the sense that Zimmerman would not have been arrested were it not for the outcry from minority groups and the White House. Society needed a little push, she added:

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