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November 7, 2008 O.J. Simpson denied new trialPosted: 03:29 PM ET
LAS VEGAS–O.J. Simpson has been denied in his motion for a new trial. I'm here in Las Vegas, where, in the first court proceeding since Simpson and co-defendant Clarence Stewart were convicted on 12 criminal counts, Judge Jackie Glass stated she had studied the motions for a new trial and denied them all. As the hearing got underway, attorneys for both men complained to Glass that their clients were not allowed to wear suits to court, and were dressed in the blue uniforms of the Clark County Detention Center. Simpson's attorneys based their motion for a new trial on seven main issues, including errors during jury selection, not allowing full cross-examination of witnesses and not allowing the defense to present their theory of the case through jury instructions. Brent Bryson, attorney for Stewart, who also argued for a new trial for his client, based his motion on alleged juror misconduct. I don't think anyone believed Judge Glass would reverse her rulings, but it is the first step in a post-conviction process that now goes forward with sentencing in December. That is, unless Simpson's defense team is successful with a motion that raises, in more detail, the alleged juror misconduct issue. Simpson's defense attorney, Yale Galanter, says we will very shortly see a motion that will allege jury foreman Paul Connelly was less than truthful on his jury questionnaire, which the defense says amounted to jury misconduct. In addition, defense attorney Brent Bryson stated in open court today that Connelly was terminated by his employer, Pepsi, for making racial statements. Galanter and Gabriel Grasso will ask Judge Glass for an evidentiary hearing on the issue. If it is denied, don't be surprised if there is an emergency appeal on the matter to the Nevada Supreme Court. All of this is expected to be done before the sentencing of Simpson and Stewart, scheduled for December 5. –Jean Casarez, In Session correspondent Filed under: Trials |
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