The OJ Simpson Case Study

Growing up in Beirut, I look back and realize that it is easy to turn a blind eye to issues one knows are unjust but feel helpless to change. Unfortunately, my hometown is one where laws in today’s world still discriminate against women, especially with basic human rights such as divorce and the choice to marry someone regardless of religion or sect. According to the report “Unequal and Unprotected: Women’s Rights Under Lebanon’s Religious Personal Status Laws,” laws have been implemented that stand in the way of women having the right to get a divorce or even allowing civil marriage in the country. Despite the 1963 degree that states that, “the basic personal status order and that remains operational recognized freedom of belief, granting each person the right to opt out of their religion’s personal status laws and marry under a civil code”, this remains far from the truth about the reality of the situation in Lebanon. With women treated so unfairly, I find it crucial for my peer group to try to implement more just policies that give women the equal amount of freedom in such decisions that affect their lives so deeply. It is this that motivated me to pursue Law, in order that I can gain insight into the legal systems on which my experiences to date and our day-to-day lives are based on.
My curiosity with the law had a populist origin: the OJ Simpson case.
It was further fueled by the Meredith Kercher murder case, which to me highlighted the different laws pertaining to different countries and their judicial systems: in this instance the US versus Italian legal systems. More recently, during the US election campaign, I have been drawn into articles and news stories pertaining to the American judicial review body, the ‘Oversight Committee’ in respect of the US constitution, people’s rights, and the interpretation of the Fifth Amendment. This has increased my enthusiasm for research and further encouraged me to focus on law and regulations in different
countries. Recently I read Thomas Bingham’s The Rule of Law, which details what the concept of the rule of law is and its importance in our everyday lives. Bingham describes the rule of law as the basis of a society that is based on equality and has an impact on economic, political, and social stability and I fully respect his views on the eight commandments that should be the foundation of the legal system, specifically international law; “an ideal worth striving for”. When I first moved to London my goal was to apply to medical school. However, the combination of my A-levels has equipped me with a number of essential skills which I believe have actually prepared me for the rigors of a law degree; analytical, combative, oratorical and reasoning skills. In fact, my work experience led me to consider law as an alternative to medicine. It is through experiences such as my time at Great Ormond Street Hospital, that I learnt the true value of human rights and their abuses, be it on a medical or social level. The legal system plays an integral role in maintaining the rule of law and ensures that civil liberties are protected. I thrive in situations that entail interaction with others. Due to my background and upbringing I have the ability to adapt to all situation and people. Throughout my school career, I have served as a member of the Executive Committee for the Social Service Club for over four years, during which time I helped coordinate more than one hundred and fifty volunteer hours per student per year. This experience enhanced my communication skills and increased my empathy towards individuals in misfortunate situations. The legal system is not black and white; it is very much a set of guidelines over strict rules. However, the ability to interpret those guidelines makes this a profession where learning is life long, and one I look forward to being part of.