Cochran was perhaps the most famous lawyer of the 1990s, primarily for his defence of O.J. Simpson in Simpson’s murder trial. Cochran’s refrain of “If it doesn’t fit, you must acquit” (the it in question was a glove that was a key piece of evidence for the prosecution) eventually swayed the jury, and Simpson’s acquittal was forthcoming.
However, despite Cochran’s habit of defending rich celebrities, he also prided himself on representing those whose circumstances were less happy. Even before his defence of Simpson, Cochran had a reputation for taking on cases of police brutality, and his 2001 civil suit representing Abner Louima (who was sodomised with a toilet plunger by members of the NYPD while under arrest) resulted in a settlement of US $8.75 million being paid to Louima, a record that still stands more than a decade later, and years after Cochran’s death from a brain tumour.
By Mark Winograd (Personal photo) [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons – This is a retouched picture, which means that it has been digitally altered from its original version. Modifications: cropped and lightened. The original can be viewed here: JohnnieCochran 2001.jpg., CC0, Link
As mentioned in:
Spooky Mormon Hell Dream — “The Book of Mormon” original Broadway cast