Two For The Show

The jurors will have their say, and then the court of public opinion will weigh in with its own view. Having lived through one trial, many Americans are certain they know the players involved and are unshakably certain of what the proper result ought to be in this one, which they couldn't watch. Such are the contradictions that keep this case alive in the national imagination. Many whites see it as a chance to right an injustice. Many blacks think it's time to leave the man alone. So no matter what the verdict, somebody isn't going to be happy--again.

A GUIDE TO THE JURY VERDICT

Because it's a civil trial, the language of the verdict itself will be different. There is no question of guilt; instead, is Simpson liable for the deaths of Ron Goldman and Nicole Brown Simpson? If he is, what are the damages? A look at the choices facing the jurors:

The Goldman Suit:

Did Simpson cause the ""wrongful death'' of Ron Goldman? If jurors answer ""yes,'' they can pick a compensatory lump-sum award to go to Fred Goldman and Sharon Rufo, his biological parents. Lawyers didn't ask for a particular amount, and there's no ceiling.

The Brown Suit: