Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: THURSDAY, July 14, 1994 TAG: 9407140098
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: C-2 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: Associated Press
DATELINE: RICHMOND LENGTH: Short
At a news conference, Coleman cited the O.J. Simpson murder trial as he called for changes in the exclusionary rule that bars evidence obtained illegally from being admitted at trial.
``The defense counsel strenuously urged that the forensic evidence that had been developed by the police officers there could not be used in the case, the serious case of a charge of double murder. That would be a travesty,'' Coleman said.
A California judge ruled last week that a bloody glove and other evidence could be admitted, but her ruling may be appealed.
Coleman said his bill would ensure that evidence of a crime is not excluded in any state or federal trial because of technical violations by law enforcement officers acting in good faith.
This was the second time Coleman has brought up the highly publicized Simpson case at a campaign event. He also mentioned the murders of Simpson's former wife and a friend when he toured a Northern Virginia women's shelter to tout tougher penalties for batterers.
Coleman said he is emphasizing crime because of his experience as a Republican attorney general. ``I'm not saying it's going to be the only thing I'm talking about,'' he said.
He turned aside a question about whether the legal troubles of Robb and North have influenced his campaign theme.
``I'm so tired of talking about them,'' he said.
Keywords:
POLITICS
by CNB