Culture (1994)

Values

O.J. Simpson Arrested

McCarthy, Phillip. "Live On TV, An American Hero Falls From Grace." Sydney Morning Herald. 20 June 1994. LexisNexis Academic. Terrell Lib., Washington State University. 12 Oct. 2008 http://ntserver.wsulibs.wsu.edu.

O.J. Simpson, considered one of America's greatest football stars, found himself battling both the nation and its law during the summer of 1994. One weekend in late June, Simpson was charged with the murder of his ex-wife Nicole Brown Simpson and her friend Ronald Goldman. But before they could arrest him, Simpson fled the scene. A car chase ensued; the five-hour extravaganza videotaped by news helicopters and broadcast nationwide. Americans were glued to their television sets, watching the American hero's life unravel. He was often considered not only a hero on the football field, but a role model for all young African-Americans. Upon his capture, Simpson was sent to a maximum-security prison to await trial. Lawyers pleaded innocent by means of temporary insanity. The 1994 murder case was one of the most watched events in American history. Americans were both appalled and fascinated with the crime, Simpson's attempt to flee, and the proceeding trial. It became a national obsession.


Supreme Court Limits Abortion Protests

Hall, Mimi, and Tony Maruo. "Abortion Clinics Win Protection / 'Protest-Free Zones' Ok'd By High Court." USA Today(Jul1994): 3A. LexisNexis Academic. Terrell Lib., Washington State University. 12 Oct. 2008 http://ntserver1.wsulibs.wsu.edu.

The supreme court ruled that abortion clinics had the right to "protest-free zones" outside of their buildings, keeping aggravated antiabortion protesters from blocking patient access. The court said that the 36-foot bugger was sufficient under the constitutional First Amendment. Some protesters were adamant that the ruling would be defied, however. It was intended that the Supreme Court ruling would help women exercise their right to an abortion by keeping unruly protesters from frightening, or even physically harming, them. Violent protests caused some women to turn away from needed abortions and a few dozen doctors to quit. President Clinton also signed the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances bill which solidified the Supreme Court rule. Questions were raised about the 36-foot barrier, believing that in some location that could seem like miles away. Others were nervous that it would place further restrictions on free speech. In general, the court ruling was determined so that protesters were free to speak and believe what they wished, but must protest with discretion as to not take it too far.

Puga, Ana. "Court OK's Limits on Antiabortion Protesters." The Boston Globe. 1 July 1994. LexisNexis Academic. Terrell Lib., Washington State University. 12 Oct. 2008 http://ntserver1.wsulibs.wsu.edu.

A Florida state judge determined that protesters had to demonstrate quietly as well as 36-feet from the entrance of a local abortion clinic. The ruling was taken to the Supreme Court where it was decided that this judge was not in violation of any constitutional rights. The high court did rule, however, that a 300-foot limit from both the clinic and homes of clinic staff was unnecessary and illegal. Forty abortion clinics nationwide would benefit from this ruling as they were in court battles of their own. Threats, bombings, and shootings were amongst the issues facing abortion clinics. Surgery and recovery periods are burdened when noise and violence become issues, Supreme Court judges decided. Women have the legal right to an abortion and should not be hindered by extremist antiabortion protesters. The vote was 6-3 in favor of passing the rule. Opposing judges felt it hindered free speech. Antiabortion groups felt betrayed by the Supreme Court while abortion rights activists were elated.