O.J. Acquitted: Race and Justice Divide America
The jury deliberated for less than four hours after a nine-month trial that consumed American attention like no legal proceeding before it. An estimated 150 million people watched the verdict live on October 3, 1995. In offices, bars, and classrooms across the country, the reaction split along racial lines: polls showed 77% of Black Americans agreed with the acquittal while 75% of white Americans believed Simpson was guilty. The prosecution's case included DNA evidence, a bloody glove, and a history of domestic violence, but defense attorneys Johnny Cochran and Robert Shapiro attacked the LAPD's credibility, especially detective Mark Fuhrman's use of racial slurs. Simpson was later found liable in a civil trial and ordered to pay $33.5 million in damages.
October 3, 1995
31 years ago
Key Figures & Places
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