O.J. Simpson was acquitted of murder at his 1995 criminal trial but later found culpable of the wrongful death of Nicole Brown Simpson and Ronald Goldman at his civil trial. Point out some of the differences between the criminal proceeding and the civil proceeding. Explain why the civil proceeding was not a violation of double jeopardy after the acquittal in criminal court. Would it have been double jeopardy if Simpson had first been found not responsible for the wrongful death in the civil trial and then tried for the crime of murder later? Do you agree with this procedural rule? Why or why not?
Under the “Son of Sam Law,” a convicted criminal cannot profit from his or her own crime. California's law was struck down in 2002, seven years after Simpson was acquitted of murder and five years after he was found responsible at the civil trial. Discuss whether Simpson can profit from the proceeds of a book, keeping the information about ex post facto law in mind. Should he be able to profit from a book about the incident?
Response Criteria:
Respond to the question and to other students' postings. Consider the following criteria when posting your responses:
1• Consider what you have studied this week concerning civil law and criminal law to help you think through the O.J. Simpson application.
2.• If you can compare the O.J Simpson civil case with a similar case, include that in your discussion as well.