Introduction to OJ Simpson

Introduction to OJ SimpsonNorway Crime and Justice DiscussionOJ introduction

Crime and Punishment in NorwayWhat specifically is different about Norways C&J system?Should we adopt their model of the criminal justice system? WHY or Why not?

Why OJ Simpson after 17 years?

A Warning of Teacher Bias

Orenthal J. Simpson

The Victims

June 12, 1994

June 12,1994

June 12, 1994

Allan Park

Police Investigation Focuses on Simpson

Phil VannatterWarrant is obtained for OJsArrestPolice obtain enough evidence to put out a warrant for OJs arrestWhen OJ didnt turn himself in at a scheduled time, police went to his housePOLICE FIND A LETTER

OJ spotted on the Freeway in his White Ford BroncoBefore the Trial beganIs Simpsons reaction to his exwifes murder typical of an innocent man?Admits he cut his finger the night of the murderNo alabiSuicide note, slow car chase with weird communication with det. Lange, $8,750 cash, disguise, loaded gun, and passportThere is much more evidence to come!HOW DOES HE GO FREE??!!!Burden of ProofIs on the Prosecution.Most prove BEYOND A REASONABLE DOUBTProtect the innocent/punish the guilty.Rather let guilty go free than imprison innocent person.Circumstantial EvidenceNo weaponNo confessionNo eyewitnessTotality of circumstancesPieces of PuzzleMeans, Motive, OpportunityProsecution needs to prove these to a jury.Means=howMotive=whyOpportunity=window of time (no alibi)Two Counts of First Degree MurderWillful, deliberate, premeditated.1 count for Nicole1 count for RonaldFour elements of first degree murder in OJ case1. Simpson was the person who stabbed Nicole and Ronald.2. The stabbings were the cause of their deaths.Simpson intended to kill the victims.The killings were not committed on impulse, but were the result of planning, however brief.Penalty faced if convictedLife in prison, no opportunity for parole.Could have been the death penalty, if the prosecution chose to.Prosecution vs Defense

Prosecution mistakesFiling the Case downtownProsecutors do not file for the death penaltyMistake 3-4: Jury SelectionThe ProcessVoir DireTranslation..What is it?What is the objective?What do the defense Lawyers use to achieve this objective?

Mistake 3-4: Jury Selection3.) No use of Preemptory challenges4.) Marcia Clark had the wrong idea regarding women on the juryJury ResultsBy Race: 9 black, 1 Hispanic, 2 whiteBy Sex: 10 women, 2 menBy Education: 2 college grads, 9 high school grads, 1 DROP OUT!The TrialOpening StatementsProsecutionDarden-(thesis) abusive husband who turned violent over jealousyMarcia Clark-(supporting details) overview of the evidence to comeDefenseJohnnie Cochranarthritis prevented OJ from committing these murdersEvidence was contaminated, compromised, and ultimately corrupted

Proof: Witnesses and EvidenceNicoles Sister: Denise BrownRon Ship911 dispatcherAllan ParkKato KaelinKEY EVIDENCE!

Proof: Witnesses and EvidenceMistake 5: Chris Darden has OJ try on the gloveIf the Glove dont fit, you must acquit

Mistake 6: The decision to call Mark Fuhrman to the stand

Mistake 7Calling witnesses to the stand for days over..WHO KNOWS?!DEFENSE: WHY AND HOW COULD THE LAPD BE BLAMED FOR CONTAMINATION /PLANTING OF EVIDENCE?GOALSUndermine the prosecutions evidence concerning motiveSimpson was physically incapable of committing the crimeRaise doubts about the timeframeKey evidence was either contaminated or planted by racist copsDream Team EmbarrassmentsReview: not present during interrogationVideo produced by the prosecution taken shortly before the murdersDream Team SuccessFuhrman testimonyHenry Lees testimonyIf the glove dont fit, you must acquitIssue of race- RODNEY KING INCIDENT AND THE LA RIOTS OF 1992!

VerdictRecord breakingJury was sequestered for almost a yearProsecution SummationDefense Summation3 HOURS!!!NOT GUILTY!!!!Story is not over: Civil Trial immediately afterHeld in Santa Monica 3 monthsSimpson did not plead the 5th (clumsily trying to explain the unexplainable)New Judge does not allow race card to be played, or police conspiracyJury concluded-using preponderance of the evidence test-OJ had wrongfully caused the death of Simpson and Goldman

Polling Information After the Trial

Polling