University of Florida News

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — How did O.J. Simpson – hardly an activist on black issues before his arrest – become a hero to some in the black community after being charged with murder? Why were blacks willing to vote for former Washington, D.C., mayor Marion Barry after he was convicted of drug charges? And why is the black community less likely to extend similar support to noncelebrity blacks who face prosecution for crimes?

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Constitutional provisions for access to government in Florida, California, Louisiana, Montana, and Rhode Island provide the best protection for the public, according to new findings compiled by University of Florida researchers.