O.J. Simpson’s lawyers are asking the Nevada Supreme Court to toss out the former football star’s conviction, saying that the judge who slapped him with what amounts to a life sentence was prejudiced and made several improper rulings during last year’s trial. In their 47-page appeal, Simpson’s attorneys argue that Clark County, Nev., District Judge Jackie Glass exercised a “cumulative error that was so egregious and prejudicial that the defense could not get a fair trial.” They say that Glass, who sentenced the 61-year-old Simpson to up to 33 years in prison on charges including armed robbery and kidnapping, presided over a trial that was “fundamentally unfair.” Not only did she issue improper jury instructions and allow hearsay evidence, but she refused to allow defense attorneys to fully cross-examine witnesses, the attorneys allege in their brief. In addition, they say, Glass allowed the prosecution to strike the only two eligible African-American potential jurors. “Because of the unique nature of the case, a full and complete questioning of potential jurors needed to take place,” the appeal said. “The District Court gave no deference to the fact that Simpson brought a lot of baggage into the courtroom.” Simpson asked five men to help him reclaim several pieces of memorabilia he said had been stolen from him. All but one of those who stormed into that hotel room with Simpson in September 2007 ended up testifying against him. Their reward from the prosecution was probation. Clarence “C.J.” Stewart, the only member of the group to stand by Simpson throughout the ordeal, was dealt the same harsh sentence, except Stewart is eligible for parole in seven and a half years, compared to Simpson’s eight years. Some observers have questioned whether it is a coincidence that Simpson’s Oct. 3 conviction fell precisely on the 13th anniversary of his acquittal in the murders of his ex-wife, Nicole Brown Simpson, and her friend, Ronald Goldman.

Troy Anthony Davis, the convicted cop killer from Georgia whose life was spared three times so far, was denied a fourth bid to stay alive when a federal court rejected his latest appeal. The U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, in a 2-1 decision, ruled that Davis had not established by clear and convincing evidence that a jury would not have found him guilty of gunning down a Savannah, Ga., police officer 20 years ago. Read more.

Taraji Henson gets a supporting actress nod. Actress Targaji Henson received a Golden Globe nomination for her role of Queenie in Christmas-release film “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button.” Henson is in contention for Best Supporting Actress honors against Penélope Cruz (Vicky Cristina Barcelona); Viola Davis (Doubt); Vera Farmiga (Nothing But the Truth); Marisa Tomei (The Wrestler) and Kate Winslet. She is the only African-American actress up for a Golden globe. The film, which stars Brad Pit, got an impressive eight nods, tying Milk for bragging rights as the Globe’s most nominated movie.

A new film highlights Kwanzaa’s appeal. Celebrating Kwanzaa has become a tradition for people around the world in the 42 years since it was created by a Los Angeles professor, and a new film highlights it’s universal appeal. Customs vary from family to family, with participants finding their own way to honor the principles of Kwanzaa, such as unity and faith, but that diversity is highlighted in a new film about the holiday called “The Black Candle.” In it, everyone – from rapper Chuck D to writer Maya Angelou and Baltimore school children – gives his take on what Kwanzaa means. Kwanzaa is celebrated between Dec. 26 and Dec. 31 and was founded in 1966 by Maulana Karenga, a professor of Africana studies at Cal State Long Beach, to pay tribute to African and African-American culture. The writer and director of the 71-minute film, 26-year-old M.K. Asante Jr., told The San Francisco Chronicle that he got the idea for the film while attending graduate school at UCLA. He said he lives by the motto, “If you make an observation, you have an obligation.” The film follows Kwanzaa from its early days in the Black Power Movement to its place now as a holiday celebrated around the world. The film airs in San Francisco this Saturday.

Musician Wyclef Jean pitches in to help Haiti, Zimbabwe leaders are all smiles and the search for is on for Kenya’s next top model. See these pictures and more.
 

S.A.prosecutors plan to appeal ruling for Zuma. South African prosecutors announced they are planning to appeal a ruling made by the nation’s High Court dismissing charges against Jacob Zuma, head of the African National Congress. Zuma, who plans on running for president of the nation next year, had the charges dismissed on a technicality; the prosecutors did not inform him of the charges before filing them, reports the Associated Press. But, after they consult Zuma, they are welcome to file new charges, the court ruled. Nevertheless, the ANC had angry words for the prosecutors, who they accuse of trying to ruin Zuma’s chance of becoming president. “By not accepting the court’s ruling, the NPA has lost valuable opportunity to bring the relentless pursuit of Jacob Zuma to an end. The decision suggests that personal pride, rather than reason, is driving the actions of the NPA,” ANC said Wednesday. The charges against Zuma include corruption, fraud, money laundering and racketeering.