Former District Attorney Christopher Darden has received the endorsement of retired Judge Lance Ito in his bid for a vacancy on the LA County Superior Court, Darden’s campaign announced today.
Darden and Ito are known for their roles in the 1994 OJ Simpson murder trial, but have a longer history. Darden and Ito previously worked as prosecutors in the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office in what was then known as the Hardcore Gang Division.
Darden, 67, has been a lawyer for more than 40 years and served as attorney general for 15 years. He is best known as the lead prosecutor in the Simpson case, which Ito presided over.
In addition to being a main topic on newscasts in the 90s, this case served as the starting point for two award-winning film projects in 2016: the Oscar-winning documentary PB: Made in AmericaDarden refused to participate and the Emmy-winning film The People Against OJ Simpsonin which he was played by Sterling K. Brown, who won an Emmy for his performance.
The election will take place on March 5.
“I have always had great respect for Judge Lance Ito,” Darden said in a statement. “As a prosecutor, judge and retired lawyer, Judge Ito has always conducted himself with the utmost professionalism and set the standard for fairness in court. I am deeply honored by his support as I now seek a seat on the Supreme Court.”
After leaving the DA’s office, Darden’s first case back in court — as a criminal defense attorney — happened to be before Ito in downtown Los Angeles. Ito retired in 2015.
Darden has also been a legal commentator for CNBC, Court TV, NBC and CNN, and a professor of law at Southwestern University School of Law.
As an assistant district attorney, Darden also spent time in the Special Investigations Division, where he investigated criminal activity and corruption of government officials, including law enforcement personnel.
He has been running his own practice for 27 years. He also taught for more than a decade as Associate Professor of Law, Professor of Law and Assistant Professor of Law.
Since 1995, he has specialized in the defense of white collar crime, narcotics, gang and homicide cases.
City News Service contributed to this report.
Source: Deadline
Mary Crossley is an author at “The Fashion Vibes”. She is a seasoned journalist who is dedicated to delivering the latest news to her readers. With a keen sense of what’s important, Mary covers a wide range of topics, from politics to lifestyle and everything in between.
