Famed Attorney Johnnie Cochran Dies: Helped Free Geronimo Pratt

One of the best known lawyers in the United States has passed away. Johnnie Cochran died of a brain tumor at his home in Los Angeles.

He was 67. He is perhaps best-known for his work on the defense of O.J. Simpson during a murder trial in which Cochran uttered the famous quote "If it doesn't fit, you must acquit." His family released a statement that said "Certainly, Johnnie's career will be noted as one marked by "celebrity" cases and clientele. But he and his family were most proud of the work he did on behalf of those in the community. As Johnnie always said, "an injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere." It was his rallying cry as he worked to right many wrongs, and as he provided a voice to those who needed to be heard. He was deeply committed to helping and inspiring others- especially young people. His extraordinary law career will undoubtedly stand the test of time. But it was his devotion to his fellow human beings that will remain as his true legacy."

Over the years, Cochran represented football great Jim Brown on rape and assault charges, actor Todd Bridges on attempted murder charges, rapper Tupac Shakur on a weapons charge and rapper Snoop Dogg on a murder charge. But the moment he called "the happiest day of my life" practicing law came in 1997 when his client, the former Black Panther leader Geronimo ji Jaga Pratt, who spent 27 years in prison for a murder he didn't commit. We are joined now on the phone by California attorney Stuart Hanlon. He worked for 25 years with Johnnie Cochran on the case of Black Panther leader Geronimo Pratt.

LISTEN ONLINE (and read transcript):
http://www.democracynow.org/article.pl?sid=05/03/30/1544254