June 20, 2008

Las Vegas spotlight: Simpson status check today

Posted: 11:59 AM ET

LAS VEGAS, Nevada–It's time again for the monthly status check hearing here in Las Vegas for the O.J. Simpson armed robbery case.

I find these hearings extremely interesting because you often learn where both sides may be going once the trial begins.

First up today is a renewed motion for severance by co-defendant Charles Ehrlich. He is asking the court once again to separate his trial from Simpson's. Co-defendant C.J. Stewart is joining in this motion.

I can tell from speaking with Ehrlich's attorney Robert Lucherini that he is extremely concerned that negative jury reaction toward Simpson may spill over to the other co-defendants. But this is a conspiracy case and they are never severed here in Clark County; I have been told by the media judge for the District Court there has never been a severance in a conspiracy case.

Another issue on tap for today: as both sides continue to put together the long jury questionnaire that will kick off jury selection in September, prosecutors are at odds with the defense on some of the proposed questions.

Simpson's defense team wants a question to be included on whether jurors believe Simpson has a right to earn a living, and an obligation to support his children. The prosecution says this is not appropriate for the questionnaire and is actually part of the defense theory that Simpson was retrieving the memorabilia for the financial benefit of his family.

We'll see it all as it is argued in court.

–Jean Casarez, In Session correspondent

Filed under: Trials

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lynda Dahl/phoenix

June 20th, 2008 3:54 pm ET

the angle of the shooting (with the gun at the top of her head)
seems awkward for her to hold the gun like that and pull the trigger. He said nothing about her committing suicide on the tape.

Renee Bishop

June 21st, 2008 5:53 pm ET

When it comes to a reporter describing a trial for you, there is none better than Jean Casarez!!!! With her law degree and execellent journalism, she is a treasure, one that Court TV/ CNN better hang on to. Keep up the great work Jean!!!

Frank Malone

June 22nd, 2008 11:42 am ET

In American society throghout the last twenty years, the fate of O.J.Simpson has been broadcast on a multiple of television and websites throughout the nation. If he actually did do what he was charged with, that is despicable not only for the relatives of his murdered wife but it is also ablow against modern day American society, It is a really bad thing because many young Americans have for many years looked up yo their sports idols and have dreamed of becoming a star professional athlete, Many young men, in the socirty from which Simpson came can only see economic success by developing their athletic skillls to make a great deal of money by turnibg professional in thesport that they have chosen to pursue. An additional feature is that if they do become successful, they have then proved themselves and are to be admired bu their claasmates and friends.

Sandy Heckt

June 24th, 2008 3:47 pm ET

OJ may have gotten away with Murder here on earth but he surely won't get away with it in heaven,,that is what I cling to, in my heart he is guilty as sin,,his ego was far to great for him to accept Nicole dating others, he wasn't havng it and slaughtered Her and an innocent man. why? because he could..Nicole warned Us all that he would kill her and get away with it and he did just that! but only for a while, rot in hell OJ Im not your fan!

becky mays

June 25th, 2008 3:27 pm ET

JEAN, JUST WANTED TO TELL YOU THAT YOU ARE ALWAYS VERY PROFESSIONAL AND KNOWLEDGEABLE AND THAT I ENJOY YOU VERY MUCH. KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK,

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