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Why are there only six jurors in the George Zimmerman trial?

In Florida, six jurors are seated for felony cases, and typically one alternate is chosen.

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In second-degree murder trials — such as Zimmerman’s — attorneys normally pick two alternates. But in Zimmerman’s case, Circuit Judge Debra Nelson built in extra protection for the proceeding by adding additional alternate seats.

After an alternate juror was dismissed Wednesday, six jurors and three alternates remain in Zimmerman’s case.

Nelson did not publicly say why she dismissed the man identified as B-72, but said it was not related to the case.

Sometimes, jurors are dismissed for reasons such as becoming ill. A juror could also be dismissed during a trial for improper conduct, such as researching the case outside of the proceedings.

Court observers who watched the high-profile Casey Anthony first-degree murder trial two years ago may recall she had 12 jurors. That’s because in Florida, 12 jurors are seated for death penalty cases.

Zimmerman is not facing the death penalty. He faces up to life in prison if convicted.