The ‘N-Word’ in the O.J. Simpson Debate

• The 1st lawyer = the prosecutor (defends the victim(s)) – his name is Christopher Darden
• The 2nd lawyer = the defendant’s lawyer (defends the accused) – his name is Johnnie Cochran.

🔎In the O.J. Simpson affair, Mark Fuhrman, a detective of the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD), was called to testify regarding his discovery of a bloody glove recovered at Simpson’s estate, evidence of Simpson’s guilt.

But, during the trial, claims were made that Fuhrman frequently used the “N” word toward African Americans during the 1980s, which Fuhrman denied. In response, Simpson’s defense team produced recorded interviews with Fuhrman and witnesses showing that he had repeatedly used racist language during this period. As a result, the defense claimed that Fuhrman had committed perjury and was not a credible witness.

During the trial (our extract), the prosecutor expressly asks not to focus on Fuhrman’s racist remarks so that the trial does not become that of the racist inspector! It is necessary, in his view, to remain focused on the facts, and on the evidence itself (provided by Fuhrman ) which proves Simpson’s guilt. 

Unfortunately, the defendant’s lawyer manages to turn the debate around by accusing Mr. Darden of insulting the back community while becoming an apologist for Fuhrman!