The OJ Simpson 1995 trial is one of the most iconic trials in American history. It is the Casey Anthony case of the 2010s and the Amber Heard and Johnny Depp trial of the 2020s. The quote “If the glove does not fit, you must acquit” by the late great attorney Johnnie Cochran is one of the single most quotable phrases in trial history ever.
But why did the glove not fit OJ Simpson? Was it not his glove? Is there a reason that it could be his glove and it didn’t fit during the trial? Let’s dive into the science!
What Glove?
At the crime scene, a bloody left glove was found outside the residence of Nicole Brown-Simpson’s home. The right glove, similarly bloody, was found at OJ Simpson’s home.
The pair of bloody gloves were used as evidence in the trial. The prosecution considered the gloves fitting as a sign of guilt, and the defense viewed the gloves not fitting as a sign of innocence. Both sides valued the results of the “fitting” during trial, although the prosecution had more to lose from the results.
Why Did the Glove Not Fit OJ Simpson?
There are a couple theories as to why the gloves did not fit OJ Simpson. Obviously, people who believed it wasn’t OJ Simpson were not surprised about the gloves. We’re talking science and not delusion, though, so let’s talk about why the gloves did not fit Simpson even though they were his.
Two theories are the most viable. They could both be correct at the same time, working together to some extent.
The first theory is that the gloves shrank because they were blood-soaked, frozen, and then thawed. A glove expert witness during the trial testified to the fact that if a glove is drenched and then allowed to naturally air dry, the glove will lose 15% of its size.
Another believable theory was that OJ Simpson intentionally stopped taking the anti-inflammatory medicine he took for his arthritis, causing his hands to swell up with fluid.
Simpson was only in his 40s when he went to trial for Ronald Goldman and Nicole Brown-Simpson; did he already have arthritis? NFL players tend to develop arthritis younger than the general population. Research shows that 20% of former players develop the condition in their 20s, and 49% of players have arthritis by the 40s. Only 19% of the general population has arthritis in their 40s. Football ages you.
To Glove or Not to Glove
Attorney Chris Darden’s decision to have OJ Simpson try on the gloves is one of the most criticized choices in trial history. The prosecution was struggling under the weight of the “Dream Team” defense, a poor police investigation, and a lack of preparation on their side. The glove demonstration was a “Hail Mary” attempt from Darden.
In 2016, Darden defended his decision, saying that it got people talking, and he felt critiques from fellow professionals were disingenuous at times. The choice didn’t make sense at the time, and it still doesn’t today. What started as a Hail Mary ended as the final coffin in the prosecution’s case.
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