Former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin's legal team is appealing his civil rights conviction in the death of George Floyd, requesting access to Floyd's heart tissue and related medical evidence. Chauvin's lawyers are investigating the possibility that a pre-existing heart condition, rather than Chauvin's actions, caused Floyd's death.

Federal prosecutors are opposing the request, arguing that it lacks legal basis and stems from an unverified medical opinion. They contend that Chauvin's original defense team made a strategic decision not to examine Floyd's heart during the initial trial.

Judge Paul Magnuson granted Chauvin's request, stating the evidence could support the alternate theory of Floyd's death presented by Dr. William Schaetzel. Chauvin's new legal team claims this theory was not presented to Chauvin during his original trial.

Prosecutors argue that the original defense's decision not to examine Floyd's heart was a strategic choice and not grounds for appeal. However, the judge ruled in favor of Chauvin's access to the evidence.

Legal experts have weighed in, suggesting that Chauvin is entitled to explore all avenues of appeal, regardless of the likelihood of success. This development follows a separate incident where Chauvin was allegedly stabbed multiple times in prison.

Chauvin's state murder conviction in Floyd's death, which sparked nationwide protests, was upheld by the Supreme Court last year. The current appeal focuses on the federal civil rights violation conviction.

The initial incident involved Floyd's arrest for allegedly using a counterfeit $20 bill. Chauvin, one of the arresting officers, knelt on Floyd's neck for over nine minutes, leading to Floyd's death and subsequent widespread unrest.