|
Simpson was acquitted of murder charges on October 3, 1995, and cannot be tried again in a criminal case. In the civil trial, Simpson again is accused of murdering his ex-wife and her friend. But the rules are different in civil and criminal cases.
First, the standard of proof in a civil case is lower. The plaintiffs -- in this case the families of Nicole Brown Simpson and Ronald Goldman -- must prove Simpson committed the murders by a "preponderance of the evidence," meaning jurors can decide for the plaintiffs if they determine there is at least a 50.1 percent probability that Simpson is guilty.
In the murder trial, the state had to prove Simpson committed the murders "beyond a reasonable doubt," meaning jurors had to be all but positive Simpson committed the murders to convict him. This time, jurors do not have to reach a unanimous decision; only nine of the 12 jurors must agree for a verdict to be reached.
In the murder trial, Simpson was not required to take the stand and the jurors were not allowed to hold against him his decision to remain silent. But in the civil trial the plaintiffs' called Simpson to the stand; he could not refuse.
If the jury finds for the plaintiffs, Simpson will have to pay unspecified damages for the wrongful deaths of Nicole Brown Simpson and Ron Goldman.
|
Tell us what you think! You said it... |
|
© 1997 Cable News Network, Inc.
All Rights Reserved.