Art Bell Vault, 1996-06-06: Defending O.J. Simpson

Defending O.J. Simpson

Date
Thursday - June 6 1996
Host
Art Bell

Law professor Gerald Uelmen was on O.J. Simpson's legal "Dream Team" and wrote a book about the experience entitled "Lessons From The Trial." In the first hour, he described the trial on a day-to-day basis, the events that didn’t make the news, possible evidence and jury tampering, and why he believes that the jury came to a fair and correct conclusion to acquit. He called Simpson "one of the most savvy, intelligent clients I have ever represented."

He says what we saw on TV was close enough to give us an impression we saw everything that the jury saw, but Uelmen claimed that wasn't the case. When the jurors walked into O.J.'s house, for instance, and saw the white carpet, you could see them thinking how he could have done it without dropping any blood. He believes TV cameras were a mistake – many witnesses came in knowing they would be turned into instant celebrities. Uelmen, who penned the famous line about the bloody glove, "If it doesn't fit, you must acquit," suggested that the blood spot on the gate was planted.

Open Lines were featured for the rest of the show. Art reported on a damaging fire happening in Alaska--150 homes were destroyed and 1000 people evacuated. He also discussed politics of the day, and budget amendments about Medicare.