Two For The Show

The estates of Nicole Brown Simpson and Goldman filed a ""survivorship'' claim against Simpson: did Simpson commit battery with malice or oppression--not wrongful death--against Nicole? A ""yes'' on malice means the estates of Nicole and Ron can collect punitive damages.

The punitive process:

If Simpson is found liable, jurors would then reconvene to hear evidence from both sides about Simpson's net worth. He has already been deposed regarding his assets, which the court would unseal; O.J. would have to show us his money. Punitive damages are meant to punish, and the jury is free to set almost any amount, provided it bears some relation to the harm. Case law suggests damages shouldn't exceed 30 percent of net assets, but in a murder case that guideline may go out the window.

© 1997