Former LAPD Detective Mark Fuhrman, from O.J. Simpson Case, Dies at 74

[Dogface82]

Originally Posted by TheCars1986

Pretty sure this law has been changed since then, but at the time of Simpson's trial, the planting of evidence in a death penalty case could result in the death penalty. No "racist" cop is going to risk his life to set up OJ Simpson.

I can't think of anyone who would risk their life to set up OJ with the possible exception of Nicole's greiving parents. So you are right from that perspective.
However I don't think Mark Furhman looked at it that way. I think he didn't feel at risk. Some people think they are in the right and the end justifies the means. Others don't think they can or will get caught. Negative possibilities don't even enter some peoples minds.
Personally based on the trial and aftermath in real time I think Furhman was a dirty cop. I also think if he had followed protocol OJ may have been convicted of something. Instead he provided the defense with reasonable doubt. Even if the prosecution had done everything else perfectly Furhmans actions and image would still have tanked the case.

I honestly don't remember any jurors saying they were never going to convict. That maybe misinterpretation or misinformation. There was always the high risk that a jury wouldn't convict. Most people didn't want to believe he was capable of murder. I do believe there was a general pro OJ bias before the trial nationwide. He was extremely popular, considered a good example for everyone, polite, modest, smart & hardworking. It was almost like putting Mr. Rogers on trial.

[DALLASTEXAN!!]

Iron sharpens Iron. You had deep corruption within LAPD and OJ who both sort of used the other for a means to an end. There was a lot of pressure on the jury to listen to a lot of noise that was given by both the defense and the prosecution, but especially the defense. In a case that should have been easy, the prosecution had to climb a mountain because of the deep corruption or brutality that existed in those days. LAPD also enabled OJ to a large degree. a lot was made about them framing OJ, but they didn't really do a whole lot to punish him either, in spite of knowing that he was brutally beating Nicole.

As for Furhman, good riddance. I don't believe that he was merely quoting a movie. He made those remarks and then pled the 5th to protect himself because he knew that he had a dark side. He also made other remarks away from the OJ case that were basically defending police brutality when it wasn't warranted. Police in those days always backed one another even when they knew they were wrong. or better yet, especially when they knew they were in the wrong. If they beat the hell out of a guy and got caught red handed, but yet let off the hook....imagine what they were able to get away with when there were no cameras and it was just the word of the police?

OJ and Mark together equal complete POS'

What's sad for me is there was a lot of racism and politics in this case and that seemed to be the story. But the story should have been protecting women from predators. and I don't know that to this day that is talked about enough. it's a terrible shame.