Roundtable discusses O.J. Simpson Trial

More than 25 students and professors gathered in McClelland Hall Monday evening to discuss the trial and verdict of the O.J. Simpson case -- addressing everything from media coverage to racism and the criminal justice system. Entitled "360 Degrees of Separation," the event's panel featured four professors with expertise in sociology, legal studies and journalism. But while issues surrounding the trial -- including racism, spousal abuse and the role of media -- were discussed, opinions as to Simpson's innocence or guilt were not. Legal Studies Professor Kenneth Shropshire opened the discussion by discussing his feelings about the mixed reactions to the "not guilty" verdict. "I've had a chance to watch a lot of cases from afar," Shropshire said. "No one should have a great feel for what the outcome should have been in a case." Former journalist Ben Yagoda, a Penn alumnus and assistant professor of journalism at the University of Delaware, spoke of the role and behavior of the media throughout the trial. "How much of what the public wants is created by media behavior?" Yagoda asked. "Is it a self-perpetuating cycle?" Legal Studies Professor Susan Freiwald also questioned the role of the media in the trial, in addition to the large sums of money required for Simpson's defense and the role of police in society. Simpson reportedly spent between $7 million and $10 million in legal fees during the trial, according to the Associated Press. Freiwald also explained that the trial has given society the opportunity to "reexamine the mythologies and stereotypes of the criminal justice system." Sociology Professor Ivar Berg explained how as a people, Americans are "infomaniacs," constantly pressing for "measurements." He also reminded students to "recognize that we live in a world of values." College senior Lance Dunlop said he attended the event in hopes of gaining a better understanding of people's opinions and perceptions of the trial. "I really want[ed] to come with an open mind and an open heart and try to understand," Dunlop said. "I want to come out of this with better questions." Overall, the event was a success, according to Engineering junior Alice Chong. "I think it provided a great opportunity for people to talk about [explain] how they feel about the trial," she said. The event was sponsored by the Wendy and Leonard Goldberg House of the Quadrangle.