In Cochran’s Defense
As I read through the letters (Jan. 29) in response to Michael J. Goodman’s profile of Johnnie Cochran (“For the Defense,” Jan. 29), I was reminded that very little has changed. Why was it “unfortunate,” as one writer put it, that Cochran chose to become a defense attorney? Not everyone is guilty of the crimes they are charged with, especially in O.J.’s case. I’ve read too many one-sided versions of the public perception of Cochran and the Simpson case in particular and black people in general. The other side has to be heard.
Because of the irresponsible and reckless circus called the news media, Simpson first was convicted and now is standing trial. I don’t believe that group of letter writers live anywhere near an area where the flames of racism are fanned every day. If all things were fair and square, especially with the Los Angeles Police Department, we wouldn’t be recovering from a racial riot now.
What I see in all this is a high-profile defense team playing against all odds: the media and mainstream America. Kudos to Johnnie L. Cochran Jr.
Brent Burton
Los Angeles
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It’s interesting to note the readers who consider Cochran as being at the wrong end of the law. He is doing his job by defending a man who is to be considered innocent until proven guilty. Cochran certainly would be cited by the California Bar Assn. if he did anything less than his best for his client. We should praise him for his excellence.
If Marcia Clark’s personal life has nothing to do with the trial, neither does Cochran’s. Cochran’s District Attorney Gil Garcetti criticized the media when Clark’s domestic problems became public knowledge and stirred up a storm. I agree with him; let’s play fair with both sides.
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Cochran may be the best attorney I have ever seen in action. He has reinforced a believe that I’ve held from the onset, that O.J. is innocent. It’s time we recognized the truth.
Kellori R. Dower
Huntington Beach
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Well, it’s a sure thing your letters’ page title (“Johnnie on the Spot”) is no misnomer. Were there any comments on the theory of being innocent until proven guilty? Or the fact that a person is entitled to a defense?
Why is Cochran on trial in the first place? I was under the impression that the defendant was O.J. Simpson.
Tecora Jones
Los Angeles
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Cochran has defended many people charged with many different crimes. As O.J. Simpson’s attorney, it is his job to take any and every course of action that will place reasonable doubt in the minds of the jurors. In many murder trials, not just this one, the defense would argue that police acted improperly in gathering evidence. Attorneys routinely try to discredit such expert witnesses as a police investigator or a medical examiner. Nothing’s new there.
I viewed the Cochran profile as holding up a positive image for young black men. Cochran is well respected in the legal community. Former District Attorney Ira Reiner frequently has attested to Cochran’s abilities. And Cochran is entitled to try to make big money, if that’s what he wants to do. If he were of a different color, the money he makes would not be a problem to the readers who wrote, and we’d probably see him on “Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous.”
Tracye Polk
Gardena