Judge orders release of Nicole Simpson's financial records

SANTA MONICA, California (CNN) -- The judge in the O.J. Simpson wrongful death civil trial on Thursday ordered the attorneys representing the estate of Nicole Brown Simpson to release any financial records -- either checks or credit card receipts -- that show she purchased gloves or shoes for someone other than Simpson.

The attorneys for O.J. Simpson had requested all of his ex- wife's financial records from January 1993 to her death in June 1994, but Judge Hiroshi Fujisaki felt that the defense's request was too broad and ordered only specific items be turned over.

Natasha Roit, representing the estate of Nicole Brown Simpson, told the judge that there were no records of her buying any such items. Fujisaki then told her to turn over any information in her possession.

Roit also agreed to turn over receipts and records of ATM transactions on June 12, 1994, so Simpson's attorneys can compare them with the timeline of the killings.

O.J. Simpson's attorneys also want to view the financial records to confirm whether Nicole Brown Simpson ever visited psychotherapist Jennifer Ameli. Ameli claims that she conducted therapy sessions with both Nicole Brown Simpson and Ron Goldman.

Jury selection goes on

In five-and-a-half hours Thursday, only 16 potential jurors were questioned. Ten were accepted into the pool from which 12 jurors and eight alternates will be selected.

So far, in four days of questioning, some 75 potential jurors have been grilled about their attitudes. Only 39 have been selected for the pool -- 20 whites, 15 African-Americans and four from other ethnic groups.

Earlier Thursday, O.J. Simpson attorney Robert Baker complained to the judge about the dismissal of African- Americans from the pool of potential jurors.

Baker complained after the court excused an African-American man who said he believed in Simpson's innocence, but could be impartial in this trial.

Daniel Petrocelli, the attorney for Ron Goldman's family, tried to dispute that claim, but the judge interrupted him and indicated both sides should move on.

The racial makeup of the jury could be crucial, since unlike the predominantly black jury that acquitted Simpson in the criminal trial in downtown Los Angeles, the civil trial is being held in predominantly white Santa Monica.

In a civil trial, a jury may reach a verdict on a 9-3 majority and find on the basis of "a preponderance of evidence" as opposed to the more stringent guidelines of "beyond a reasonable doubt," used in criminal cases.

If he is found responsible for the deaths of Nicole Brown Simpson and Goldman, O.J. Simpson could be forced to pay millions of dollars in damages.

The defendant has not been present for the past two days of jury selection. But Baker told CNN's Roger Cossack that the former football star will be back once the general questioning phase portion of jury selection begins.

Baker said there was no reason for Simpson to be in court for these preliminary sessions.

Reuters contributed to this report.

• Simpson judge OKs jury prospects who admit bias - September 25, 1996
• Simpson makes first appearance at civil trial - September 20, 1996
• Simpson must hand over key videotape in civil trial - September 19, 1996
• Judge has no-excuses attitude in picking Simpson jurors - September 18, 1996
• Simpson civil trial convenes Tuesday - September 16, 1996
• O.J. Simpson scheduled to appear in two courts - September 12, 1996
• Simpson judge gets tough at civil trial - September 4,1996

Related sites:

• CNN Interactive's O.J. Simpson main page
• Simpson Court Transcripts

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