USA: OJ SIMPSON TRIAL: MARK FUHRMAN TESTIMONY

(17 Mar 1995) English/Nat

Los Angeles detective Mark Fuhrman ended six gruelling days of testimony yesterday in the O-J Simpson murder trial.

Legal experts said he emerged relatively unscathed from the intense cross-examination by Simpson's defence attorney F.Lee Bailey.

Bailey alleged Fuhrman was a racist who planted key evidence on Simpson's estate.

SOUNDBITE:

"All Right. Thank you very much. You're excused sir."
SUPER CAPTION: Judge Ito

As Detective Mark Fuhrman stepped down from the witness box, legal experts lauded his performance saying that Defence attorney F. Lee Bailey failed to offer any evidence that he had planted the incriminating glove.

Bailey had publicly predicted he would destroy Fuhrman's credibility during his cross examination.

Fuhrman, however, remained calm throughout the testimony but may have to take the stand again if Bailey can turn up other witnesses to Fuhrman's alleged racism.

Outside the courtroom, Fuhrman's attorney praised his client's performance on the stand.

SOUNDBITE:
" I think that he did great. I think that Mr. Bailey didn't lay a glove on him."
SUPER CAPTION:
Robert Tourtelot, Detective Fuhrman's Attorney

The days proceedings began with Judge Ito accepting apologies from both the defence and prosecuting attorneys for the angry insults they flung at each other the previous day.

Clark called Bailey a liar and Bailey criticized Clark's eyesight and memory.

SOUNDBITE:
"I don't like to engage in that sort of exchange. I think it is unseemly. I think it's bad for the entire profession. And, I do extend to Mr. Bailey my apology for the extreme nature of the exchange yesterday. I don't anticipate that happening again. And, I think that we will all, from this day forward, conduct ourselves as professionals, seasoned professionals that we all are."
SUPER CAPTION: Marcia Clark, Prosecuting Attorney.

Bailey said he was sorry, too:

SOUNDBITE:
"My apology, my most profound apology is directed at the court. I've been doing this for 40 years, and I was caught off guard with that accusation. The reaction was less restrained and certainly less professional than it should have been, and the thing that pains me the most is any criticism that has been directed at the court because of conduct of counsel. In my view, you are one of the finest trial judges I have ever had the privilege to appear before."
SUPER CAPTION: F. Lee Bailey, Defence Attorney

Judge Ito then issued a stern seven point order instructing the lawyers to abstain from personal attacks upon each other.

Another key prosecution witness, Detective Philip Vannatter is now on the witness stand.

Attorneys for both sides gathered in the courtroom to watch as Detective Vannatter demonstrated what happened on the morning after the killings on the Simpson estate. Using a pointer and a map he retraced his steps through the house.

Prosecuting attorney Christopher Darden will continue to question Detective Vannatter Friday.

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