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

with against arrest/was put under
arrest
A misdemeanor A petty crime A felony Mitigating factors
To go on parole To be given A proceeding An offense
(permiso) probation
To threaten/to be To claim/to defend To acquit/acquittal Criminal record
threatened

1. The prosecution aimed to ___address____ the inconsistencies in O.J. Simpson’s alibi

(coartada).
2. The state decided to __press__ charges ___against__ O.J. Simpson for the murders of
Nicole Brown Simpson and Ronald Goldman.
3. O.J. Simpson was put under ___arrest__ after a car chase in his white Bronco. The
defense argued that some of the evidence mishandling (tratar sin cuidado) could be
considered a misdemeanor rather than a ___felony__.
4. The defense suggested that the police were more focused on O.J. Simpson due to his
past involvement in __petty crime___.
5. The prosecution emphasized that the murders were a serious ___offense___,
warranting the highest level of scrutiny.
6. The defense presented ___mitigating___ 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 __parole___ , get out of jail
for some time, for many years.
Presenting evidence and arguments

It is said that … pasiva impersonal

 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 (acusacion)
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.

- 1. He is alleged to be in the crime scene due to DNA evidence matching his DNA
found there.
- 2. Simpson is supposed to have been at the crime scene because one bloody glove was
found there and the other one at his residence.
- 3. Simpson is considered to have a history of domestic violence.

DEFENSE (defensa)

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... presenting the DNA results that proof that he had been in the
crime scene
 From my perspective… is guilty
 The evidence suggests that…
 It is clear that… he had been in the crime scene due to the fact that one glove was
found there and the other pair in his house
 I would like to point out that… OJ simpson has a previous history of violence
evidence against his wife

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."
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.