The O.J. Simpson Trial

O .J . Simpson Trial

The well publicized trial of O .J . Simpson for the double homicide of his ex-wife and her friend focused national attention on the decision-making process of jurors . Because the defendant in the case which was based primarily on circumstantial evidence , was a black celebrity and the victims were white , much media commentary focused on the influence of racial factors . The defense strategy for O .J . Simpson increased concern about race central to the defense was a theory that Simpson was framed in a conspiracy by the Los Angeles

Police Department due to racial prejudice against the defendant . As the nation watched the proceedings of the trial , questions arose as to whether the jury would be influenced by racial factors when reaching a verdict

The political means for reaching that end differ . On the side are those who align themselves with conservatives and believe that the multiracial needs to focus on removing the concept of race either through the introduction of multiracial category or by advocating for color-blind agendas on the other side are those who align themselves with liberals and believe that multiracial people should be protected group . It is perfect , as the prosecutors in this case tell us , but coupled with the testimony of a witness both types of evidence are bolstered . In this case as well the best scientific evidence , including DNA identification can be nullified by the specter of tainted samples or sloppy handling procedures . This is almost certainly in large part a result of the prevalence in our society of institutionalized racism , in which discrimination on the grounds of racial differences is so deeply enshrined into the systems within which we live that even those who are fair-minded and just somehow become separated from their own personal beliefs and instead get drawn into processes

The struggle over whose account of events would be believed by the jury formed the basis of the trial . Since O .J 's trial arose as an accusation of murder , his defense could either a denial of guilt altogether or an excuse or a justification . Low pro criminal cases experience an echo or ripple effect set off by those criminal trials that are represented extensively in the media . While it has been generally recognized that in high pro trials , publicity both before and during the trial , has direct and indirect effects on the actions of attorneys , witnesses judges , jurors , and the viewing audiences , it is also true that high-pro criminal trials may have an even greater impact on the formal and informal operations of the everyday practices of law enforcement and adjudication , affecting the outcomes of tens of thousands of low-pro criminal cases . But the defense chose the first option . While presenting few details of O .J 's actions on the evening in question , the defense focused on every procedural miscue by LAPD investigators to create their counter-story that a racist police department framed the defendant . The prosecution sought to prove O .J guilt beyond a reasonable doubt...