by April Trice

Created on: March 17, 2009

Most of us are well aware of the social and superstitious stigma that surrounds the number 13. Friday (considered an unlucky day) the 13th was feared as far back as the mid 1800's, well before the popular horror movie series. Thirteen just can't seem to shake its soiled reputation. So it seemed rather apropos when Orenthal James Simpson was found guilty of kidnapping and armed robbery charges, on a Friday, thirteen years to the day after his acquittal for the murders of Nicole Brown Simpson and Ron Goldman.

When Simpson's guilty verdict was announced shortly before 11:00pm, there was a genuine look of disbelief that flashed across his face before quickly regaining his composure. Perhaps the thought crossed his mind: "I got away with murder. No way am I going to prison for going to get my own stuff back!"

At his sentencing hearing, Simpson turned on the floodgates of emotion, sobbing and begging Judge Jackie Glass for sympathy and leniency. Glass declared Simpson, "arrogant and ignorant" before sentencing him to no less than 9 years in prison. Certainly there are those of the opinion that Judge Glass' decision was nothing more than a personal vendetta for something that happened thirteen years ago. But the majority of people, specifically those employed within the judicial and legal system, are convinced that Simpson's verdict was fair and square and the sentencing appropriate.

Then there are those who are apathetic towards the entire issue. And who can blame them? The concept of Blind Justice has become laughable. Lady Justice's blindfold fell off years ago, replaced with the adage, "How much justice can you afford?" You'd be hard pressed to find an individual who firmly believes without a shadow of a doubt that every judicial case results in a fair and equal outcome.

If O.J. Simpson had been a poor black man from the City of Compton, would he have walked free? I highly doubt it. His case would've been handled by an over-worked, underpaid Public Defender, resulting in a guilty verdict. Clearly, Simpson's celebrity status and ability to afford high profile defense attorneys played a crucial role in his acquittal. Some would argue that the Media is responsible for the judicial double standard that stands today.

The truth of the matter is, we're all guilty. This Double-Standard has become expected. These verdicts are not questioned, but casually accepted then dismissed. So why do I think that O.J. Simpson will, indeed, go to jail this time? Because somewhere deep inside of me, I still foster the belief that Justice can and does indeed prevail. Some would call this naivety. I'd like to say I'm hopeful and optimistic.

Perhaps we all need to be reminded of Martin Luther King, Jr.'s profound words of wisdom: "Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere."

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