Goldmans get rights to Simpson book

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the legal and ethical implications of Ron Goldman's family acquiring the rights to O.J. Simpson's canceled book, "If I Did It," and the proposed new title "Confessions of a Double Murderer." Participants explore themes of guilt, innocence, and the complexities of civil liability versus criminal verdicts.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants express that the book's content resembles a confession, suggesting Simpson's desire to showcase his intelligence, while others maintain that the criminal verdict of innocence should be respected.
  • There is a discussion about the implications of being found liable in a civil suit while being acquitted in a criminal trial, with some arguing that this creates a contradiction in the justice system.
  • One participant questions whether the Goldmans can publish the book under the new title, given the legal complexities surrounding Simpson's acquittal and civil liability.
  • Another participant raises concerns about the potential for double jeopardy and whether Simpson could sue for defamation if called a murderer despite his acquittal.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the implications of Simpson's legal status and the morality of the Goldmans' actions, indicating that multiple competing views remain without a clear consensus.

Contextual Notes

The discussion highlights unresolved questions regarding the legal definitions of guilt and liability, as well as the potential for conflicting interpretations of double jeopardy in this context.

Math Is Hard
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MIAMI - A federal bankruptcy judge Friday awarded Ron Goldman's family the rights to O.J. Simpson's canceled book, "If I Did It," which the Goldmans want to rename "Confessions of a Double Murderer."

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070616/ap_on_en_ot/simpson_lawsuit
 
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It is so strange to see Simpson in old movies. Or course, it was stranger to watch the LAPD chase him up the 405 fwy.

From what I heard about the book it did sound like a confession; almost like he wanted to tell everyone how smart he was. Still, I agreed with the criminal verdict of innocent. We can't allow cops to run amok no matter how sure they may be that a person is guilty. And the LAPD has a long history of abuse. I think Simpson was guilty but there was a greater principle at stake - Constitutional Law. And it was possible that evidence had been tampered with by Fuhrman and his buddy.

And, frankly, I think this idea of being innocent of a crime but guilty for civil liablity is hogwash. AFAIC it is double jeopardy.
 
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Do you think they'll be able to put the book out with that new title?
 
I don't know. He was ruled liable for their deaths but found innocent of murder. Like I said, it makes no sense to me at all. If he was found innocent of committing murder, can he sue Goldman for calling him a murderer? I tend to think so. Unless they have taken the abuse of double jeopardy to the point of absurdity, which wouldn't surprise me at all.

This lists the findings of the jury in the civil suit. You tell me.
http://www.cnn.com/US/9702/04/jury.questions/index.html
 

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