THE O.J. SIMPSON MURDER TRIAL

UCLA Law School professor Peter Arenella and Loyola Law School professor Laurie Levenson offer their take on the Simpson trial. Joining them is defense lawyer Albert De Blanc Jr., who will rotate with other experts as the case moves forward. Today’s topic: The defense starts its counteroffensive.

PETER ARENELLA

On the defense: “The defense’s agenda: Rehabilitate O.J.’s image and destroy Ron Shipp. O.J.’s articulate daughter, Arnelle, said O.J. was shocked by Nicole’s murder and concerned for his children’s welfare. O.J.’s sister described Shipp as ‘high’ and denied he had private access to O.J. The defense’s message: Jurors know the real O.J. and he’s incapable of murder.”

On the prosecution: “It doesn’t pay to beat up O.J.’s family members: They, too, are victims of this tragedy. Marcia Clark noted that Arnelle Simpson could not support her father’s alibi because she was not at Rockingham during the critical time frame. Clark’s most intriguing question was never answered: Did O.J. ask his maid not to return to Rockingham Sunday night?”

LAURIE LEVENSON

On the defense: “Nice family, arthritic dog, great demeanor at public functions. Illuminating testimony or shameless appeal for sympathy? O.J. paraded his family through the courtroom attempting to reclaim his tarnished image. Arnelle held up fairly well, but the rest had little to say other than to attack Ron Shipp, whom the defense clearly believes has hurt them.”

On the prosecution: “It’s almost odd seeing Marcia Clark play Ms. Nice Guy. Clark treaded carefully in trying to undermine Arnelle’s testimony. She let the phone records make her point. Although Arnelle was a very appealing witness, her recollection of the events of June 13 were contradicted by those records. As for the others, not much cross was needed.”

ALBERT DE BLANC JR.

On the defense: “A key defense objective is to attack the prosecution’s motive theory: All family members testified that O.J. demonstrated the appropriate remorse about Nicole’s death. And the designer noted that O.J.’s house was being redecorated for the benefit of his new love, Paula Barbieri: He was no longer tied to Nicole and had no reason to want her dead.”

On the prosecution: “The prosecution is ahead on Ron Shipp: He only had one beer, he was in O.J.’s bedroom and no witness could say for sure that O.J. did not tell him about ‘the dream.’ In addition, Arnelle described Shipp as a close friend of O.J., one he might confide in, especially with his background as a Los Angeles police officer.”

Compiled by HENRY WEINSTEIN / Los Angeles Times