Alan Dershowitz

Representing O.J. Simpson was a mixed blessing

O.J. Simpson talks with two of his attorneys, F. Lee Bailey and Alan Dershowitz, in court, June 16, 1995 (Getty)

When I was first asked to join the O.J. defence team, I declined, because I had appeared on television and opined that he was probably guilty. Bob Shapiro responded by saying, ‘At this time, everyone thinks he’s guilty, but we have to look at all the evidence.’ He also reminded me that O.J. was facing the death penalty and that I generally don’t decline capital cases. With these considerations in mind, I accepted the role as legal and constitutional consultant to the defence team and designated appellate lawyer in the event he was convicted. O.J. referred to me as his ‘God-forbid lawyer.’

Every defendant is entitled zealous representation, but many Americans don’t seem to understand that important principle.

Most of my work on the case took place in my Harvard Law School office with the help of student researchers. But I did appear in court on several occasions arguing important motions, including one immediately following the glove fiasco.

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