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- Title
The O.J. Simpson Criminal Trial Verdict: Racism or Status Shield?
- Authors
Skolnick, Paul; Shaw, Jerry I.
- Abstract
This article focuses on a study which investigates the factors that may have led the jury in former football player O.J. Simpson criminal trial to an acquittal verdict. The verdict in the O.J. Simpson criminal trial has been cited widely as an example of blatant African-American racism. Surveys taken both before and after the verdict showed that African-American had a higher presumption of Simpson's innocence than Whites and were more satisfied with the final outcome of the case. Pundits and media commentators repeatedly reminded that defense attorney Johnnie Cochran had played the race card in his emotional appeal to the predominantly African-American jury that returned a not guilty verdict after less than four hours of deliberation. Although the racial argument is compelling, another factor must be considered. Race and status are confounded in American society, since African-Americans tend to occupy lower status positions than Whites. Simpson was a criminal defendant with unusually high celebrity status in society.
- Subjects
O. J. Simpson Trial; LEGAL judgments; RACE discrimination; RACISM; RACE awareness; TRIALS (Law)
- Publication
Journal of Social Issues, 1997, Vol 53, Issue 3, p503
- ISSN
0022-4537
- Publication type
Article
- DOI
10.1111/j.1540-4560.1997.tb02125.x