Johnnie Cochran died today. His storied career was mostly known for the OJ Simpson trial, but his practice was interesting and varied, and he had a long history of challenging the LA Police Department. The OJ defense raised ethical issues of defending someone that "everyone knew" was guilty; the disparities between wealthy and poor criminal defendants; and playing the so-called "race card." It's been said that the OJ trial has had a profound impact in preventing the televising of major trials.
Cochran's most famous line, in the OJ closing, was "if it doesn't fit, you must acquit." That line was actually authored by another member of the OJ Dream Team, Gerry Uelman of Santa Clara University School of Law. Uelman has taught legal ethics for years. But who can forget Johnnie Cochran's delivery of that line, his style, or his presence?