Alan Dershowitz
Alan Dershowitz is an American lawyer, professor, author, and political commentator. He is best known for his work as a criminal defense attorney, representing high-profile clients such as Claus von Bülow, O.J. Simpson, and Jeffrey Epstein.
Dershowitz became involved in the Claus von Bülow case in 1984, after Bülow was convicted of attempted murder of his wife, Sunny. Dershowitz argued that the prosecution’s case was based on circumstantial evidence and that there was reasonable doubt about Bülow’s guilt.
Strategies and Arguments
Dershowitz’s strategies in the case included:
- Challenging the credibility of the prosecution’s witnesses
- Introducing expert testimony to support Bülow’s innocence
- Arguing that the prosecution had failed to prove its case beyond a reasonable doubt
Dershowitz’s arguments were ultimately successful, and Bülow was acquitted of all charges in 1985. The case remains one of Dershowitz’s most famous victories.
Claus von Bülow
Claus von Bülow was a Danish-born socialite and convicted murderer. He was the husband of Sunny von Bülow, a wealthy American heiress. The couple lived a lavish lifestyle in Newport, Rhode Island.
In 1980, Sunny von Bülow was found unconscious in her home. She had been injected with insulin, which led to her coma. She never regained consciousness and died in 1981.
Claus von Bülow was convicted of attempted murder in 1982. He was sentenced to 30 years in prison. However, the conviction was overturned on appeal in 1985. Bülow was retried in 1990 and acquitted of all charges.
Events Leading Up to Sunny von Bülow’s Coma
In the years leading up to Sunny von Bülow’s coma, her marriage to Claus von Bülow had been strained. The couple had frequent arguments, and Sunny had accused Claus of being abusive.
In the months before Sunny’s coma, she had been experiencing a variety of health problems. She had been diagnosed with hypoglycemia, a condition that causes low blood sugar. She was also taking medication for depression and anxiety.
On the night of December 21, 1980, Sunny von Bülow was found unconscious in her bed. She had been injected with insulin, which caused her blood sugar to drop to dangerously low levels.
Evidence Against Claus von Bülow
The evidence against Claus von Bülow included:
* A syringe containing insulin was found in his bathroom.
* His fingerprints were on the syringe.
* He had a history of injecting Sunny with insulin without her knowledge or consent.
* He had a motive to kill Sunny. He was in debt and would have inherited her fortune if she died.
However, there was also evidence that suggested Claus von Bülow was innocent. For example, the syringe was not found in his possession. Additionally, there were no witnesses who saw him inject Sunny with insulin.
The jury in the first trial convicted Claus von Bülow of attempted murder. However, the conviction was overturned on appeal. The appellate court ruled that the trial judge had made several errors, including allowing the prosecution to introduce evidence that was not relevant to the case.
In the second trial, Claus von Bülow was acquitted of all charges. The jury found that the prosecution had not proven its case beyond a reasonable doubt.
Trial and Appeals
The trial of Claus von Bülow was a highly publicized event that spanned several years. The prosecution argued that von Bülow had attempted to murder his wife, Sunny, by injecting her with insulin. The defense, led by Dershowitz, argued that Sunny had injected herself with insulin in a suicide attempt.
The jury found von Bülow guilty of attempted murder, but the verdict was overturned on appeal. The appeals court ruled that the trial judge had erred in admitting certain evidence into the trial. The state appealed the decision to the Rhode Island Supreme Court, which reinstated the conviction in 1984. Von Bülow appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court, which declined to hear the case.
Jury Verdict
The jury found von Bülow guilty of attempted murder on March 16, 1982. The verdict was based on the testimony of several witnesses, including Sunny’s maid, who claimed to have seen von Bülow inject Sunny with insulin. The jury also heard evidence that von Bülow had purchased a large amount of insulin in the weeks leading up to Sunny’s overdose.
Appeals
Von Bülow appealed his conviction, arguing that the trial judge had erred in admitting certain evidence into the trial. The Rhode Island Supreme Court agreed with von Bülow and overturned his conviction in 1984. The state appealed the decision to the U.S. Supreme Court, which declined to hear the case.
Legal Precedents
The Claus von Bülow case set several important legal precedents. The Rhode Island Supreme Court’s decision to overturn von Bülow’s conviction established the principle that trial judges must carefully scrutinize the admissibility of evidence before admitting it into a trial. The U.S. Supreme Court’s decision not to hear von Bülow’s appeal established the principle that the Supreme Court will not review state court decisions unless there is a clear error of law.
Media Coverage and Public Perception
The Claus von Bülow case attracted extensive media coverage, which significantly influenced public opinion. The media portrayed von Bülow as a wealthy, manipulative socialite accused of attempting to murder his wife, Sunny. In contrast, Alan Dershowitz was depicted as a brilliant and determined defense attorney fighting for his client’s innocence.
Sensationalized Reporting
The media’s coverage of the case often sensationalized the events, focusing on the scandalous aspects and von Bülow’s lavish lifestyle. This portrayal shaped public perception, creating an image of von Bülow as a heartless and cunning killer. The constant media attention also fueled speculation and rumors, further tarnishing his reputation.
Media Influence on Public Opinion
The relentless media coverage played a crucial role in shaping public opinion. The negative portrayal of von Bülow made it difficult for the jury to remain impartial, as they had already formed strong opinions based on the media’s narrative. This media influence ultimately contributed to von Bülow’s initial conviction.
Dershowitz’s Media Presence
Alan Dershowitz’s media presence also impacted public perception. His confident and articulate appearances on television and in print helped to counter the negative portrayal of von Bülow. Dershowitz’s ability to effectively communicate von Bülow’s innocence and the flaws in the prosecution’s case resonated with the public, challenging the prevailing narrative.
Social and Cultural Context
The Claus von Bülow case was a sensationalized trial that captivated the public’s attention in the 1980s. The case highlighted the stark divide between the wealthy and privileged elite and the rest of society, and raised questions about the fairness of the justice system.
In the 1980s, there was a widespread perception that the wealthy and powerful were above the law. This perception was reinforced by a number of high-profile cases in which wealthy individuals were acquitted of serious crimes. The Claus von Bülow case seemed to fit this pattern, and it further eroded public trust in the justice system.
Impact on Social Norms
The Claus von Bülow case had a significant impact on social norms and perceptions of the justice system. The case challenged the traditional belief that the wealthy and powerful are above the law, and it raised awareness of the importance of equal justice for all.
Broader Implications
The Claus von Bülow case had broader implications for society. The case highlighted the need for reform of the justice system, and it led to a greater focus on the rights of victims of crime.
