Reasonable doubt : finding OJ Simpson not guilty : an honors thesis (HONRS 499)

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Authors
Boehm, Elizabeth A.
Advisor
Ho, Taiping
Issue Date
2006
Keyword
Degree
Thesis (B.?.)
Department
Honors College
Other Identifiers
Abstract

This paper aims to explore the O.J. Simpson trial in depth to better understand the verdict reached. Based on just the evidence, many people feel he should have been found guilty. However, in the adversarial process of a United States court, the way evidence is collected, presented, and explained can have a profound impact on the jury, as it should. The evidence is extremely important, and appears in more than just physical form, it also includes witness testimony. In the case ofCalifornia vs. OJ Simpson, there were errors in collection, as well as impeached testimony and lying on the stand which contributed to the "reasonable doubt" standard that must be surpassed in a criminal proceeding. By discussing the evidence at issue in this trial, this paper shall explain why the jury was left with reasonable doubt and thus set Simpson free.