Johnnie Cochran died today at 67 of a brain tumor. Cochran made his name as a defense lawyer, but started out as a prosecutor in the Los Angeles district attorney's office. Did you know Judge Ito once worked under him? Cochran's list of clients reads as an A-list of celebrities: Michael Jackson, James Brown, Puff Daddy, Todd Bridges (okay, so they weren't all A-listers). Cochran's celebrity eventually outshined that of his clients. Seinfeld famously modeled a character upon him, and his catchphrase, "If it doesn't fit, you must acquit," stands as the most memorable line from the most memorable trial of our lifetimes. The media dubbed them "the dream team." But of the constellation of star lawyers--F. Lee Bailey, Robert Shapiro, Barry Sheck, Alan Dershowitz--employed by O.J. Simpson, none shined as brilliantly in the courtroom as Johnnie Cochran. Now his star shines no more. Johnnie Cochran, rest in peace.

It was as a young L.A. District Attorney that Johnnie Cochran prosecuted the infamous Lenny Bruce in the mid-1960's in one of the comic's many obscenities charges.

Yeah Dan, we should really make a memorial about a man who made his living defending child molestors, wife beaters, and murderers.

Although, I guess there is a place here to reflect on the life he chose and lived. I don't think he took any of his millions with him to the grave.

He defended affluent scum, who's victims will go unavenged (at least until the end of all of us comes).

This man was almost certainly a scumbag. There is the chance he genuinly believed Simpson was innocent, but I very much doubt it.

Ben-T and CJD: if you found yourself in trouble, is there someone other than Johnnie Cochran you'd want defending you to a jury?

Dan, don't count out Gerry Spence's full arsenal of sophistry.

Dan,

Maybe William Clinton. It doesn't seem to matter what he says, because he's above the law. He's also very convincing in his own definitions of words, and he sure is good with the ladies.

Hung jury, you betcha.

Johnnie will be missed. I remember partying hard with Johnnie and Don Cornelius back in 77 at a club in Atlanta called "The Cinnamon Pie Machine". They where both crazy for high quality carpet. We always got the VIP booth because Johnnie got the owner off on a quadruple murder with 15 witnesses. He used his famous Chewbacca defense to get the acquittal.

I, too, believe he does not deserve a positive memorial. He needs, as we all do, prayers.

I, too, believe he does not deserve a positive memorial. He needs, as we all do, prayer.

The Chewbacca defense was amazing!

Ahmen to that brother!That man could really down the Cavartier. One time we were in The Chocolate Bunny in DC with Marion Barry,Don King and Artis Gilmore. Whew! The owners sons had a "Montreal Breakaway" with some underage patrons and got busted on some trumped up charges. Johnny got the underaged girls charged with rape, incarcerated for 22 years and sued their families into oblivion. That man was great.Boy am I going to miss him.

who told u to put the balm on?? did I tell you to put the balm on?? i didnt tell u to put the balm on......jackie childs!!! if seinfeld makes up a charector of you,you have to be doing something right!

"Kramer, your face, is my case!"

"You fool. You're having her try the bra on over a leotard. Of course the bra isn't going to fit on a leotard. A bra's got to go up against the skin. Like a glove."

Ben-T and CJD: if you found yourself in trouble, is there someone other than Johnnie Cochran you'd want defending you to a jury?-Dan Flynn

Ya Matlock baby!

"Chewie!...is that you? Im out of it for a little while and everybody gets delusions of grandeur!"

"These aren't the droids you're looking for. Move along..."

Truly, Johnnie Cochran was one with The Force.

If your heart won't fire...you must expire.

lol seaking!!good one

Judges don't "work under" the DA you moron. The DA's office represents the county on criminal cases which are tried before a judge. The judge is totally independent. It's called separation of powers like in the Constitution. Another example that you neocons don't understand how the our government really works and your disregard for the Constitution itself.