Los Angeles County Superior Court

Los Angeles County Superior Court, Department 103, served as the venue for both the criminal and civil trials of O.J. Simpson. Judge Lance Ito presided over the criminal proceedings from this courtroom at 210 West Temple Street, managing a case that generated constant procedural battles over evidence admission, witness credibility, and media access. The courtroom saw pivotal moments ranging from Rosa Lopez's cross-examination to the jury's request for testimony readback before reaching its verdict on October 2, 1995. Judge Hiroshi Fujisaki later oversaw the civil trial from the same courthouse, navigating its own disruptions including juror stress-related dismissals and unauthorized microphone incidents. Throughout both proceedings, the courtroom functioned as a tightly controlled environment where judges repeatedly admonished spectators, managed exhibit logistics, and conducted sensitive sidebar and in-chambers discussions away from the jury. From the preliminary hearing in July 1994 through the civil trial's closing arguments in January 1997, this courthouse remained the fixed point around which the sprawling case revolved.