The 1995 criminal jury acquitted O.J. Simpson of murdering Nicole Brown Simpson and Ronald Goldman. In a separate 1997 civil case, a jury found Simpson liable for the deaths and awarded damages, with the total judgment later reported as $33.5 million. The civil verdict did not overturn or replace the criminal acquittal: the proceedings involved different parties, questions, remedies and standards of proof.
Two trials, two different legal questions
The criminal prosecution and the later civil lawsuit arose from the same deaths, but they were not the same case. The state brought the criminal prosecution to determine whether Simpson was guilty of murder and therefore subject to criminal punishment. The civil plaintiffs—victims’ families and estates—sought financial remedies for wrongful death and related claims.
| Issue | Criminal trial | Civil trial |
|---|---|---|
| Who brought the case? | The state | Civil plaintiffs, including the Goldman family and estates asserting wrongful-death, survivorship and battery claims |
| Legal question | Whether the prosecution proved murder beyond a reasonable doubt | Whether Simpson was civilly responsible for the deaths and related injuries |
| Burden of proof | Beyond a reasonable doubt | Preponderance of the evidence |
| Outcome | Not-guilty verdicts on the murder charges, October 3, 1995 | Liability finding in February 1997 |
| Remedy | Criminal punishment if convicted | Compensatory and punitive damages |
Because the cases applied different legal tests, an acquittal in one did not legally prevent a liability finding in the other. Nor did the civil judgment convert the earlier acquittal into a conviction.
What the 1995 criminal jury decided
The verdict was “not guilty”
On October 3, 1995, the criminal jury returned not-guilty verdicts on the murder charges against Simpson. The verdict-day account from the Associated Press records the courtroom clerk reading the words “Not guilty.” The jury had deliberated for less than four hours. You can read the contemporaneous report at Associated Press: AP WAS THERE: OJ Simpson’s murder trial acquittal.
#1 Best Overall
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
That result means the prosecution did not persuade every required juror that the evidence met the criminal standard of proof. It does not mean the jury affirmatively found that another identified person committed the murders, and it is not a civil finding about financial responsibility. “Acquitted” is the accurate legal description; “convicted” is not.
What “beyond a reasonable doubt” does in a criminal case
Beyond a reasonable doubt is the demanding proof standard used for a criminal conviction. The state had to establish the charged murders to that level of certainty in the criminal jury’s judgment. If the jurors retained a reasonable doubt after considering the evidence, the law required a not-guilty verdict, even if they thought some evidence pointed toward Simpson.
An acquittal therefore answers a limited question: whether the prosecution met its criminal burden in that proceeding. It is not a general declaration of factual innocence, and it does not decide civil claims that were not before the criminal jury.
What the 1997 civil jury decided
Liability for the deaths and related claims
A separate civil jury in Santa Monica later found Simpson liable for the deaths. The civil litigation combined the Goldman family’s wrongful-death claims with survivorship claims brought by the estates, including battery claims. The Los Angeles Times reported the liability verdict and the initial damages award on February 5, 1997, in “Simpson Liable in Slayings: Compensatory Damages Put at $8.5 Million.”
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
“Liable” is the civil term. A civil jury does not convict a defendant, and a civil judgment does not impose the criminal penalties that would follow a conviction. Instead, the judgment establishes financial responsibility under the claims presented by the plaintiffs.
The initial compensatory award
The civil jury awarded $8.5 million in compensatory damages to Ron Goldman’s family. Compensatory damages are intended to address legally recognized losses tied to the claims, rather than to punish in the way a criminal sentence does. The $8.5 million figure is the compensatory amount reported immediately after that verdict; it is not the later total judgment.
Unanimity was not required in the civil proceeding
The contemporary Los Angeles Times account said the civil jury did not have to be unanimous. Despite that rule, all 12 jurors voted for the plaintiffs on the first ballot. The unanimous first-ballot vote describes how those jurors voted; it should not be confused with a legal requirement that every civil jury reach unanimity.
The later $33.5 million total judgment
The total civil judgment was later reported as $33.5 million, including punitive damages. The Associated Press gave that figure in its April 11, 2024 retrospective, “O.J. Simpson, legendary football player and actor brought down by his murder trial, dies at 76.”
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Rank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
The $33.5 million number is the reported judgment, not proof that the plaintiffs collected the full amount or that it represents a current unpaid balance. A judgment states what the court awarded; collection depends on assets, enforcement and other circumstances that are separate from the verdict itself.
Why an acquittal and a liability finding can coexist
The burdens of proof are different
The central legal difference is the burden of proof. In the criminal case, the state had to prove murder beyond a reasonable doubt. In the civil case, the plaintiffs needed to show civil responsibility by a preponderance of the evidence—the standard commonly expressed as showing that the claim was more likely true than not.
Those thresholds are not interchangeable. Evidence that falls short of the criminal threshold can still satisfy the lower civil threshold. Conversely, a criminal acquittal does not establish that a civil claim is false; it establishes that the criminal prosecution did not obtain a guilty verdict under its required standard.
The parties and purposes were different
The criminal case was brought by the state, which was seeking a criminal judgment. The civil case was brought by people and estates seeking compensation and, ultimately, punitive damages. The plaintiffs’ objectives, claims and available remedies were therefore different from the prosecution’s objectives.
Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
Using the same underlying deaths did not merge the proceedings. Each jury evaluated the case presented under its own rules, pleadings and burden of proof. The later civil result did not “reverse” the earlier result because civil courts do not overturn a criminal acquittal through a damages verdict.
How to describe the outcomes accurately
- Say Simpson was acquitted in the 1995 criminal murder trial.
- Say a civil jury later found him liable for the deaths.
- Use not guilty for the criminal verdict and liable for the civil result.
- Do not call the civil result a conviction.
- Explain that the civil jury used a preponderance-of-the-evidence standard, while the criminal jury used beyond a reasonable doubt.
- Identify $8.5 million as the compensatory award reported for Ron Goldman’s family, and $33.5 million as the later reported total judgment including punitive damages.
- Do not imply that the $33.5 million judgment was fully collected.
These word choices matter because “not guilty,” “acquitted,” “liable” and “convicted” describe different legal outcomes. Treating them as synonyms creates the false impression that one verdict cancelled the other.
A timeline of the two proceedings
| Date | Event | What it established |
|---|---|---|
| October 3, 1995 | Criminal jury verdict | Not-guilty verdicts on the murder charges; AP reported deliberations lasting less than four hours |
| February 4, 1997 | Civil liability verdict reported by United Press International | The civil jury found Simpson liable; the report describes his reaction to the verdict at UPI’s February 4, 1997 account |
| February 5, 1997 | Compensatory damages account | Los Angeles Times reported $8.5 million in compensatory damages to Goldman’s family |
| April 11, 2024 | Later retrospective account | AP reported the total civil judgment as $33.5 million, including punitive damages |
What the damages figures do—and do not—tell you
The two commonly quoted dollar figures refer to different stages of the civil case. The $8.5 million amount was the compensatory award reported immediately after the civil verdict for Ron Goldman’s family. The $33.5 million amount is the later total judgment, after punitive damages were included.
It is inaccurate to present $8.5 million and $33.5 million as competing accounts of the same award. The first is a compensatory component; the second is the reported combined judgment. It is equally inaccurate to treat either figure as a receipt showing how much money was actually recovered.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
The clearest answer to “How could this happen?”
Simpson could be acquitted criminally and found liable civilly because the two juries were not deciding the same legal question under the same standard. The criminal jury’s not-guilty verdict meant the state had not proved murder beyond a reasonable doubt. The civil jury’s liability finding meant the plaintiffs had met the lower preponderance standard on their civil claims. Both verdicts can stand because each belongs to its own proceeding.
The distinction also explains why a civil judgment cannot be described as a criminal conviction in disguise. The civil case supplied a financial remedy for the plaintiffs and estates; it did not impose criminal punishment or change the historical fact that the 1995 criminal verdict was an acquittal.
Sources for the verdicts and figures
The Associated Press’s verdict-day report records the 1995 “Not guilty” announcement and the short deliberation period: AP WAS THERE: OJ Simpson’s murder trial acquittal. The Los Angeles Times’ February 1997 account covers the civil liability finding, the nonunanimity rule and the $8.5 million compensatory award: Simpson Liable in Slayings. United Press International reported on the February 1997 civil verdict at Simpson looks stunned at verdict. AP’s 2024 retrospective reports the later $33.5 million total judgment: O.J. Simpson, legendary football player and actor brought down by his murder trial, dies at 76.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
Say something about this film