Trial Highlights

Some of the key events Monday in the O.J. Simpson murder trial:

* SUMMARY: Opening statements were postponed by a last-minute flurry of motions and evidence disputes. Defense attorneys presented a list of 34 additional witnesses they may seek to call, but Superior Court Judge Lance A. Ito barred them from mentioning all but 10 in their opening statements. Ito also ruled that a Los Angeles police detective may be cross-examined about his alleged use of a racial epithet in the mid-1980s, and the judge took under advisement a defense request for Simpson to directly address the jury during opening statements.

* SURPRISES: Prosecutors said tests performed in Simpson’s bathroom suggested that blood was found in the sink and shower. Defense lawyers said a witness saw Simpson’s car parked outside his house about the time that authorities believe the murders were being committed two miles away. Simpson’s attorneys suggested that investigators could have tampered with their client’s blood sample and that some of the blood is unaccounted for.

* COMING UP: Ito expects to dispose of the last few lingering issues first thing this morning, and he told the jury he plans for opening statements to begin at 10 a.m..

“I want you all to remember before we start this case that your conduct here will have an impact not only upon the welfare of your respective clients, but upon the image of our profession for many years to come. Those who say the criminal justice system itself is on trial may be correct in that observation.”

--Ito to the opposing lawyers