Daniel Petrocelli

This massive book would have had much more appeal to Simpson trial junkies twenty years ago . . . it is filled with arcane detail that isn't as interesting now (e.g., depositions of bit players such as Cora Fischman or Christian Reichardt). I picked it up mostly because my interest was sparked by the tv docudrama "The People vs OJ Simpson" that is currently airing on FX, and I skimmed pretty quickly through most of it. The sections about Simpson's time on the witness stand are still gripping, though.… (mere)

"Triumph of Justice" is probably the best account by an "insider" of the Simpson legal and criminal saga.

Civil attorney Daniel Petrocelli was hired by the Goldman family to represent them and bring justice for their son and brother, Ron and he takes the reader along on his first meeting with the Goldmans, to sharing memories of Ron, the tragedy of his life being cut so short, and the depositions and half-truths given by Simpson.

Parts of the civil trial may be a bit heavy handed for the more impatient, but getting an inside glimpse of the civil trial, which received far less media attention that its criminal counterpart (not to mention, a firmer no-nonsense judge who would not allow cameras in his courtroom, nor any media pandering)is worthwhile.

Far from being shown as a charasmatic, personable former athlete, Simpson comes across as a smarmy, cocky, self-absorbed guilty individual. His civil trial attorneys seemed, at least thru "Triumph", overwhelmed with the enormity of their client and the many half-truths and blatant lies he told.

By comparison, Petrocelli steamrolled both them and Simpson and finishing the book, you come away with a deep sense of regret that Petrocelli couldn't have represented the State in the criminal matter.

Despite the heavy size of the volume, the reading is relatively smooth. Will "Triumph" truly close the book on the Simpson case? Probably not, but it should definitely be the case's swan song.… (mere)