Debating
Use these words to fill in the gaps in the sentences about the OJ Simpson evidence.
To deal with / dealt To address To press charges To put under arrest/
with against was put under arrest
A misdemeanor A petty crime A felony Mitigating factors
To go on parole To be given A proceeding An offense
probation
To threaten/to be To claim/to defend To acquit/acquittal Criminal record
threatened
1. The prosecution aimed to __________ the inconsistencies in O.J. Simpson’s alibi.
2. The state decided to _____ charges ________ O.J. Simpson for the murders of
Nicole Brown Simpson and Ronald Goldman.
3. O.J. Simpson was put under ______ after a car chase in his white Bronco. The
defense argued that some of the evidence mishandling could be considered a
misdemeanor rather than a ______.
4. The defense suggested that the police were more focused on O.J. Simpson due to his
past involvement in _______ ________.
5. The prosecution emphasized that the murders were a serious ________, warranting
the highest level of scrutiny.
6. The defense presented __________ factors, such as O.J. Simpson’s history of
charitable work, to argue for a lesser sentence.
7. If convicted, O.J. Simpson would not be eligible to go on ______ , get out of jail for
some time, for many years.
Presenting evidence and arguments
What is OJ Simpson believed to have done?
Use the structure above “He is believed to...” “The evidence was believed to be false” and the
connectors below to discuss with your group the position you have been given. Write full
sentences down.
Prosecution
Ex. He is believed to have murdered his wife Nicole Brown and her lover.
1. The prosecution presented DNA evidence linking Simpson to the crime scene,
including blood drops matching Simpson’s DNA found at the scene and in his
Bronco.
2. A pair of bloody gloves were found, one at the crime scene and one at Simpson’s
residence. Both gloves were linked to Simpson.
3. The prosecution highlighted Simpson’s history of domestic violence against Nicole
Brown Simpson.
Defense
Ex. He is believed to have murdered his wife Nicole Brown and her lover.
1. The defense suggested that some evidence, such as the bloody glove, was planted by
the police, particularly by Detective Mark Fuhrman, who was an alleged racist and
was accused of misconduct.
2. The defense claimed that the presence of EDTA, a preservative used in blood
samples, indicated that the blood evidence was planted.
3. The defense argued that the evidence was contaminated and mishandled by the
LAPD, pointing out numerous procedural errors
Debating structure and expressions
1. Prosecution presents claims: Evidence is explained
Presenting an Argument
• I would like to start by...
• From my perspective…
• The evidence suggests that…
• It is clear that…
• I would like to point out that…
2. Defense cross-examines arguments
Agreeing and Disagreeing
• I agree with you.
• I see your point, but…
• I understand your argument, but…
• I’m afraid I can’t agree with you.
• That’s a good point, but…
Counter-Arguments
• Although I understand your point, I believe that...
• That may be true, but…
• I’m afraid I have to disagree with you on that.
Starting a Discussion
• Let’s begin by discussing…
• What are your views on the topic of…
• To start things off, let’s talk about…
3. Prosecution re-examins arguments presented by the defense
Keeping the Discussion Going
• Can you elaborate on that point?
• What do you think about what was just said?
Conceding an Argument
• It’s true that…, however…
• While you might say that…, it’s important to remember that…
• I agree with you that…, but we must remember that…
• Although it is true that…, I believe that…
Connectors
1. Moreover, as previously stated...
a. Example: “The policy not only reduces emissions but also creates jobs.
Moreover, it promotes sustainable economic growth.”
2. Conversely, there is no denying that...
a. Example: “Some argue that stricter regulations hinder business growth.
Conversely, evidence shows they can lead to innovation and efficiency.”
3. Nevertheless, it becomes apparent that...
a. Example: “The proposal has some flaws. Nevertheless, it addresses the core
issue effectively and is a step in the right direction.”
4. In light of this
a. Example: “The recent data shows a decline in literacy rates. In light of this, we
must prioritize educational reforms.”
5. Notwithstanding:
a. "Notwithstanding the broad protections against racial discrimination in the
Civil Rights Act of 1964, disparities in employment opportunities still persist
in some sectors."
b. Notwithstanding the evidence, the tenant still had to pay damages.
6. Yet:
a. "The Civil Rights Act of 1964 was a major legislative victory, yet challenges
in enforcement continue to limit its full impact in certain regions."
7.
8. The prosecution aimed to address the inconsistencies in O.J. Simpson’s alibi.
9. The state decided to press charges against O.J. Simpson for the murders of Nicole
Brown Simpson and Ronald Goldman.
10. O.J. Simpson was put under arrest after a low-speed chase in his white Bronco. The
defense argued that some of the evidence mishandling could be considered a
misdemeanor rather than a felony.
11. The defense suggested that the police were more focused on O.J. Simpson due to his
past involvement in petty crimes.
12. The prosecution emphasized that the murders were a serious felony, warranting the
highest level of scrutiny.
13. The defense presented mitigating factors, such as O.J. Simpson’s history of charitable
work, to argue for a lesser sentence.
14. If convicted, O.J. Simpson would not be eligible to go on parole for many years.
15. The defense hoped that if found guilty, O.J. Simpson might be given probation instead
of a lengthy prison sentence.
16. The trial was one of the most publicized legal proceedings in American history.
17. The prosecution argued that the offense was premeditated and brutal.
18. The defense claimed that O.J. Simpson felt threatened by the constant media
presence.
19. The defense claimed that O.J. Simpson was innocent and worked tirelessly to defend
him against the charges.
20. The jury’s decision to acquit O.J. Simpson was met with widespread controversy.
21. The prosecution highlighted O.J. Simpson’s past criminal record to establish a pattern
of violent behavior.