The Trial of OJ Simpson (1995)

 

THE TRIAL OF O.J. SIMPSON

Los Angeles, CA, USA (1995)

Orenthal James ("O.J.") Simpson, a former football player and actor, was charged with the murders of his ex-wife, Nicole Brown Simpson, and her friend, Ron Goldman. The trial gained significant media attention and raised discussions about race, celebrity, and the criminal justice system. 

THE TRIAL OF THE CENTURY?

The trial of O.J. Simpson, also known as the "Trial of the Century," was one of the most famous and highly publicized criminal trials in American history. O.J. Simpson, a former professional football player and actor, was charged with the murders of his ex-wife, Nicole Brown Simpson, and her friend, Ron Goldman. The trial took place from January 24 to October 3, 1995, and captured the attention of millions of people worldwide.

The case against O.J. Simpson was built upon a substantial amount of evidence. Prosecutors argued that Simpson had a history of domestic violence and jealousy toward his ex-wife, and they presented DNA evidence, bloodstains, and other physical evidence linking him to the crime scene. The prosecution also argued that Simpson had a motive to commit the murders.

On the other hand, Simpson's defense team, led by prominent defense attorney Johnnie Cochran, presented a strong case challenging the credibility of the evidence and highlighting alleged police mishandling of the investigation. They emphasized the importance of racial issues and accused the Los Angeles Police Department of framing Simpson due to systemic racism.

The trial proceedings were televised, allowing the public to closely follow the daily events and witness the arguments presented by both the prosecution and the defense. The trial's racial dynamics, celebrity factor, and intense media coverage made it a significant cultural phenomenon.

The verdict, delivered on October 3, 1995, shocked many people. O.J. Simpson was found not guilty on both counts of murder. The verdict ignited widespread debate and discussions about the justice system, race relations, and the influence of media on high-profile trials.

After the trial, O.J. Simpson continued to face legal troubles in subsequent years. In a civil trial brought by the victims' families, he was found liable for their deaths and ordered to pay substantial damages. However, he was never convicted of any criminal offense again.

The trial of O.J. Simpson remains a landmark case, reflecting the complexities of the legal system, media's impact on public perception, and the intersection of race, celebrity, and justice. It continues to be studied and discussed as a pivotal moment in American criminal justice history.

Please, leave your comments. History needs to know: did they get it right?

TRIAL Documents

JUROR Questionnaire

Do you think this mammoth 75-page questionnaire is one of the longest in history?

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TRIAL Statistics

According to the Associated Press, and for our data-obsessed readers, the pertinent data points of the trial.

[ jumpshare link ]

THE Verdict

Do you remember sitting glued to the television as the verdict was read? Here's the official court transcript.

[ jumpshare link ]

TRIAL Evidence

***WARNING GRAPHIC CONTENT ***

The following images are of a sensitive, violent nature. Please use your own best judgment when viewing.

Image of Nicole Brown Simpson Murder Scene 01

Image of Nicole Brown Simpson Murder Scene 02

Image of Nicole Brown Simpson Murder Scene 03

Image of Nicole Brown Simpson Murder Scene 04

Image of Nicole Brown Simpson Murder Scene 05

Image of Nicole Brown Simpson Murder Scene 06

Image of Nicole Brown Simpson Murder Scene 07

Image of Ron Goldman Murder Scene 01

Image of Ron Goldman Murder Scene 02

Image of Ron Goldman Murder Scene 03

Image of Ron Goldman Murder Scene 04

Image of Ron Goldman Murder Scene 05

Image of Nicole Brown Simpson Murder Scene (the glove)

Librarian's note: These images are of someone's child. Someone's sister, brother, best friend, aunt, uncle. They are linked, here, not to be macabre, but to remember what they endured. May it never be forgotten.

TRIAL Video

OPENING Statements

On the 27th anniversary, CourtTV began re-airing the historic trial of O.J. Simpson. Here are the opening statements made on January 24th, 1995:

THE Verdict

The now-historic verdict, as it happened and was broadcast, on a CBS News Special Report following the CourtTV coverage of the State of California vs O.J. Simpson trial:

But... HOW DID IT Happen?

See it all, from beginning to end--uncut, unedited for television--the way it unfolded in the courtroom, and draw your own conclusions.

The Infamous Bronco Car Chase & O.J.'s Suicide Letter

During a strange, low-speed chase, O.J. released three "goodbye" letters to friends and attempted to vanish the day he was charged with murder.

Officially a fugitive from justice, O.J. did not exceed the speed limit, was a holding a gun to his own head, and was communicating with police via cell phone.

Here's how it was televised, via CNN, live:

O.J.'s suicide letter from the car chase (as read by his friend, Robert Kardashian):

January 25, 1995 (part 1)

January 25, 1995 (part 2)

January 31, 1995 (part 1)

January 31, 1995 (part 2)

January 31, 1995 (part 3)

January 31, 1995 (part 4)

January 31, 1995 (part 5)

(coming-- trial footage from February 2-6, 1995)

February 8, 1995 (part 1)

February 8, 1995 (part 2)

February 8, 1995 (part 3)

coming to the archive--

audio transcripts from the trial, more video content, multimedia timeline & photographs