Elgin Nelson, staff
Christopher Darden, former L.A. County prosecutor, announced his candidacy for L.A. County Superior Court Judge on September 19. Darden is a law professor and New York Times, best-selling author whose name will forever be synonymous with the high-profile, controversial 1994 O.J. Simpson murder trial where he served as a co-prosecutor alongside Marcia Clark.
In what was a milestone media moment, Darden suggested that O.J. Simpson try on a pair of black gloves during the infamous trial of the century. It was a move that backfired, opening the door to Johnnie Cochran’s classic “if it doesn’t fit, you must acquit” soundbite.
Darden was deemed a traitor and “Uncle Tom” for his role in the prosecution of O.J. Simpson by some in the Black community.
In a 2017 interview with NBC News, Darden said that he found this to be extremely painful and even shameful. In his mind, “he was only trying to do his job.”
Since 1995, Darden, 67, has worked as a criminal defense attorney specializing in white-collar crimes, narcotics, gang cases, and homicides. He has served as an attorney for over 40 years, with 15 of those years practicing in the city of Los Angeles in the District County Attorney’s office.
He also teaches law at Southwestern University School of Law and appears on CNBC, NBC, CNN, and Court TV as a legal commentator.
Darden also worked as Deputy District Attorney for the city of Los Angeles where he spent most of his time with the Hardcore Gang Unit and the Special Investigation Division investigating corruption by public officials, law enforcement, and other criminal activities.
The election will take place on March 5, 2024.