Day 3 was dominated by a critical motion hearing regarding Detective Mark Fuhrman's credibility and whether the defense could cross-examine him about alleged racist statements and psychiatric reports. The prosecution argued to exclude such evidence as collateral and inflammatory, while the defense insisted on the right to vigorously attack his credibility. The day became heated when Christopher Darden delivered an emotionally charged argument about the n-word's power to bias Black jurors, prompting Johnnie Cochran's passionate floor response defending the defense's cross-examination rights. Judge Ito deferred the admissibility ruling as premature and ordered written propositions from both sides by Tuesday on whether Fuhrman could be mentioned in opening statements. Separate proceedings continued the Marguerite Thomas subpoena motion and set the following week's schedule.

• Prosecution argues Fuhrman impeachment evidence (psychiatric reports, Kathleen Bell's declaration, Joseph Britton shooting) should be excluded as remote and collateral.
• Christopher Darden delivers emotionally charged argument warning that allowing n-word in court will transform trial into race case and irrevocably bias Black jurors.
• Johnnie Cochran responds with passionate floor speech accusing Darden of being apologist for Fuhrman and defending defense's right to cross-examine.
• Judge Ito defers ruling on Fuhrman impeachment evidence admissibility as premature.
• Court orders both sides to file written propositions by Tuesday on whether either side can mention Fuhrman in opening statements.
• Opening statements tentatively scheduled for Thursday; domestic violence motion ruling set for Tuesday; witness list hearings set for Wednesday.