Double Jeopardy and O.J. Simpson

Posted by Corey L. Scott | Mar 06, 2016 | 0 Comments

DOUBLE JEOPARDY AND O.J. SIMPSON

By Attorney Corey L. Scott

So who will ever forget when the verdict in the O.J. Simpson case came down? I know I will never forget as long as I live. At the time, I was working as a youth manager at the Marion County Juvenile Center and those that could break away for a moment, all rushed to the lunch room and gathered around the T.V. to hear the verdict: NOT GUILTY!

That day O.J. Simpson probably had the biggest “win” in his life but since then to some, he has gone on to become “the biggest loser.” Including being found guilty of robbery exactly 13 years to the date of his acquittal for the murder of his ex-wife, Nicole Brown Simpson and Ron Goldman. At the age of 61, he was sentenced to what could be a life sentence (9 to 33 years in prison).

Fast forward to today (March 2016) and it has been reported that just prior to the start of the FX documentary “The People v. O.J. Simpson,” a retired cop contacted a former colleague and told him that he had a bloody knife found buried in O.J.'s yard. As I write, the Los Angeles Police Department (“LAPD”) is reportedly testing the knife to see if there is any connection to the murders of Nicole Brown Simpson and Ron Goldman.

IF O.J. committed the murders and IF this knife turns out to be the murder weapon, it doesn't matter. Yes, you read that correctly, even IF it turns out that this is the murder weapon used to kill O.J.'s wife, at least as to O.J., “the Juice” can't be squeezed. Why? Glad you asked. The 5th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution reads, “Nor shall any person be subject for the same offense twice to be put in jeopardy of life or limb.” This is where we get the term “Double Jeopardy.” Put simply, no one can be tried twice for the same crime once there is an acquittal or conviction. Or as my clients might say, once you “beat the case,” it's a wrap!

The more things change, the more they stay the same, O.J. is once again untouchable, like Johnnie Cochran never left his side.

Corey L. Scott, 333 N. Alabama Street, Suite 350, Indianapolis, IN 46204 (317) 634-0101, www.coreyscottlaw.com; @coreyscottlaw.com

About the Author

Corey L. Scott

Corey L. Scott, was born and raised in East Chicago, Indiana. Upon graduation from East Chicago Central High School, Corey attended Indiana State University and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminology.  Upon graduation, Corey accepted a position with the Marion County Superior Court, Juvenile Division where he served with distinction for the next nine years, eventually being promoted to Director of the Youth Counseling Department. Pursuing his dream of becoming an attorney, Corey attended the Indiana University School of Law-Indianapolis.  While in law school, Corey was an Indiana Council on Legal Education Opportunity (ICLEO) fellow and participated in Moot Court competitions.  He also worked in the Marion Superior Court, Criminal Division as a bailiff and research assistant to the Honorable Tanya Walton Pratt, who serves as a Judge on the United States District Court for the Southern District of Indiana. Corey also served as an internship law clerk to the Honorable Judge, Margret G. Robb, at the Indiana Court of Appeals. Finally, upon graduation from law school, Corey had the distinct honor and privilege to serve as a law clerk to the Honorable Justice, Robert D. Rucker, who sits on the Indiana Supreme Court. Corey then became an associate with Mike Norris Law Office, where he specialized in bankruptcy law with a main concentration on working to assist families obtain a fresh start through Chapter 7 bankruptcy.  Still a young attorney, Corey then served as a public defender at the Marion County Public Defender Agency.  In this position, Corey gained invaluable trial experience by defending clients in a wide range of matters from misdemeanors to serious felonies on a daily basis.  It was also during this time that Corey discovered his passion for representing and serving "everyday people." An entrepreneur at heart, Corey established the Law Office of Corey L. Scott, P.C.  Since then, he and his staff have served the greater Indianapolis community and surrounding counties in several legal disciplines including: Bankruptcy, Criminal Defense and Family Law.  In keeping with his vision, Corey L. Scott, P.C., is a client focused, results oriented general law practice that endeavors to provide legal solutions for "everyday people" charged with a crime, dealing with financial crisis or going through a difficult divorce. Corey has also been active serving the greater Indianapolis community by participating in pro bono programs such as "Ask a Lawyer," the "Modest Means" panel program which allows individuals to afford legal counsel at a fraction of normal rates, Neighborhood Christian Legal Clinic and the Heartland Pro Bono Council program. Corey is a proud member of the Indianapolis Bar Association, Indiana Bar Association, American Bar Association, National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers and the National Association of Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys.

Comments

There are no comments for this post. Be the first and Add your Comment below.

Leave a Comment

About Our Firm

The Law Office of Corey L. Scott, P.C., provides professional solutions to everyday people by consistently delivering high quality legal services and building trusting relationships with its clients.

Practice Areas

The Law Office of Corey L. Scott, P.C., specializes in Bankruptcy Law, Criminal Law, and Family Law.

Contact

We are advisors, advocates, counselors and strategists for every client, everyday and on every case. Contact the Law Office of Corey L. Scott, P.C. today.

Menu