Robert Shapiro, 76, was the original member of what became known as O.J. Simpson’s “Dream Team” of lawyers, when the legendary football player was tried for the brutal murder of his wife, Nicole Brown Simpson, and her friend Ron Goldman. No matter what one thinks of the innocent verdict in the 1995 “Trial of the Century,” it demonstrated the formidable legal skills of Shapiro and other members of the defense team.
After the trial, Shapiro was critical of fellow defense attorney Johnny Cochran for bringing the race issue into the proceedings. He also has said he does not believe Simpson was framed by the L.A.P.D. According to the video linked below, Shapiro remained silent about the Simpson trial for many years; however, three years ago he spoke about it to Megyn Kelly, a FOX NEWS host at the time.
Shapiro, a celebrity in his own right, co-founded LegalZoom (among other things) and appeared in some of the company’s commercials. He also has appeared in a number of movies and television shows. Following the Simpson trial, Shapiro shifted the focus of his law practice from criminal to civil matters.
Quotes: “Our constitutionally based criminal justice system places a high value on protecting the innocent. Among its central tenets is the idea that it is better to let a guilty person go free than to convict someone without evidence beyond a reasonable doubt.” | “I have no better way of judging guilt or innocence than anyone else.”
Sources: Wikipedia, BrainyQuote
Learn more about Robert Shapiro on Wikipedia. >>
Watch the 2016 interview with Robert Shapiro, conducted by Megyn Kelly, about the O.J. Simpson murder trial. [O5:53]. >>
Photo: Hollywood Reporter
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