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OJ Seeks New Trial

Lawyers cite errors, possible racial prejudice in filing for appeal

By Rob Quinn,  Newser Staff

Posted Oct 11, 2008 5:12 AM CDT

(Newser) – OJ Simpson's lawyers have given seven reasons why he should get a new trial in their motion seeking an appeal, reports the Las Vegas Sun. They cite judicial errors and insufficient evidence in Simpson's conviction for armed robbery and kidnapping, and argue that his rights may have been violated when African-Americans were excluded from the pool of jurors.

If the state excludes "African Americans from the jury in a discriminatory manner, then they have violated the defendant's rights," Simpson's lawyers said. The partner convicted with the disgraced NFL great is also seeking a new trial and wants it separate from Simpson's. The men are due to be sentenced December 5 and could face life in prison for the armed robbery of a sports memorabilia dealer in a Las Vegas hotel room.

OJ Simpson after he was taken into custody following his conviction.
OJ Simpson after he was taken into custody following his conviction.   (AP Photo/Las Vegas Metro Police)
Jurors who convicted OJ Simpson of armed robbery and kidnapping sit in a courtroom during a news conference at the Clark County Regional Justice Center in Las Vegas last Sunday.
Jurors who convicted OJ Simpson of armed robbery and kidnapping sit in a courtroom during a news conference at the Clark County Regional Justice Center in Las Vegas last Sunday.   (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)
OJ Simpson arrives in court before being found guilty on all 12 charges against him, including felony kidnapping, armed robbery and conspiracy in Las Vegas last week.
OJ Simpson arrives in court before being found guilty on all 12 charges against him, including felony kidnapping, armed robbery and conspiracy in Las Vegas last week.   (AP Photo/Daniel Gluskoter, Pool)
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If the state uses its preemptories to exclude African-Americans from the jury in a discriminatory manner, then they have violated the defendant's rights.
- Statement from OJ Simpson's lawyers

If the jury found that Simpson intended to reclaim his own property and that in doing so he did not believe what he was doing was wrong, he could not have the intent to do that which the law prohibits. - Statement from OJ Simpson's lawyers

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