O.J. Simpson scheduled to appear in two courts
|
|
O.J. Simpson will return to the witness stand September 17 in the custody battle over his two young children — the same day his wrongful death civil trial is scheduled to begin. Simpson’s testimony in the custody case could last several days, according to a source involved in the proceedings. The scheduling conflict means Simpson could miss part of jury selection in the wrongful death lawsuit filed by the estate of Nicole Brown Simpson and the parents of Ronald Goldman. Jury selection was a key defense strategy for Simpson during his criminal trial. The former football star and actor was acquitted a year ago of murder charges in the 1994 slayings of his ex-wife, Nicole Brown Simpson, and her friend, Ron Goldman. But families of the two slaying victims insist Simpson is liable for the killings and should pay damages. Robert Baker, Simpson’s attorney in the civil case, told Santa Monica Superior Court Judge Hiroshi Fujisaki that Simpson has been ordered to appear in an Orange County court the same day of his civil trial. But Fujisaki said jurors would not be in court until September 18 and he did not see a time conflict. Simpson is slated to spend about two weeks on the stand in his wrongful death trial, according to witness lists. Simpson, who never testified in his criminal case, is listed as a key witness in both the plaintiff and defense presentations. Also, he could be called a third time if a punitive damage phase of the trial is required. Fujisaki also said he will begin hearing 42 pre-trial motions in the wrongful death suit on Friday. Motions originally were scheduled to be heard next week, but the judge told Simpson’s attorneys that he might require them to do some “additional work” before the trial gets underway with jury selection. In moving up the hearing date, Fujisaki hinted he will grant a request by attorneys for Fred Goldman that Simpson be ordered to provide further details to questions he was asked during the case’s discovery phase. |