American Crime Story

Johnnie Cochran:
The Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. said it best: “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” And so here… we embark upon a search for justice. A search for truth. None of us were there on June 12th, 1994. We must rely upon the witnesses to get a full picture. But let me talk about those witnesses the prosecution didn’t mention. Witnesses who will exonerate O.J. Simpson. One might wonder why the prosecution didn’t bring to your attention: Mary Anne Gerchas. Or Rosa Lopez. [Marcia and Bill go from confused to somewhat agitated, and Bill starts flicking through his notes] Or Joe Stellini. Or Alan Austin. Or…

[Bill leaps to his feet and interrupts him]

Bill Hodgman:
[quickly, in obvious agitation] Your Honor, I hesitate to interrupt another lawyer’s opening statement, but it appears that, for some reason, these witnesses have not been turned over to the People!

[There is murmuring in the gallery. Ito bangs his gavel for silence]

Judge Lance Ito:
All right. Maybe we should excuse the Jury. Bailiff? [the Jury are escorted out, while Marcia tries to calm Bill] Mr. Hodgman?

Bill Hodgman:
Your Honor, what is this? Opening statement by – by ambush!? This is a complete surprise, A-a horrible breakdown. The People have not received reciprocal discovery!

Judge Lance Ito:
[to Cochran] Counsel, can you address these issues?

Carl E. Douglas:
I will, I will try, Your Honor.

Judge Lance Ito:
I have to say, Mr. Douglas, I’ve known Mr. Hodgman as a colleague and as a trial lawyer, and I’ve never seen the expression on his face that I see right now. Mr. Hodgman, why don’t you take a few deep breaths?