what famous trial did a defense attorney and fbi agent discuss the value of pi

by Prof. Maxwell Skiles 3 min read

In the famous O.J. Simpson trial, the defense attorney and FBI agent's argument revolved around the value of pi.

Did Peltier tell AIM activists to shoot FBI agents?

In the famous O.J. Simpson trial, the defense attorney and FBI agent’s argument revolved around the value of pi. The FBI agent’s findings in the case weren’t accurate because he used pi inaccurately. 15. The number pi was so alluring, even in the 16th century, that Dutch-German mathematician Ludolph van Ceulen spent most of his life ...

How many convictions did John Pistone get for the FBI?

Aug 20, 2016 · During the famed O.J. Simpson trial, there were arguments between defense attorney Robert Blasier and an FBI agent about the actual value of pi, seemingly to reveal flaws in the FBI agent’s intellectual acumen. [4] A mysterious 2008 crop circle in Britain shows a coded image representing the first 10 digits of pi. [2]

What was the contradictory statement by the FBI about the shooting?

Flamboyant and controversial defense lawyer William Kuntsler represented Butler and Robideau. Kunstler painted a picture of rising tensions and mutual distrust that characterized relations between AIM and the FBI. Agents were trigger-happy and so were AIM members. The shootings of June 1975 was a tragedy waiting to happen.

What are some major cases the FBI has worked on?

Around 11 a.m. on a hot and sunny June 26, 1975, FBI agents Jack R. Coler, 28, and Ronald A. Williams, 27, entered the Jumping Bull compound in Oglala intending to serve an arrest warrant on Jimmy Eagle, a young Indian accused of kidnapping and armed assault, who they believed might be driving a red pick-up truck.

How was Pi used in OJ Simpson trial?

Pi also played an important role in the OJ Simpson case. The prosecution had presented a prominent scientist Roger Martz as an expert of blood stains. During the cross examination, the defense asked him a difficult question - Do you know the value of pi? Martz stumbled and the defense attorney pounced on his inability.Mar 12, 2021

Who was the main defense lawyer for Simpson?

Johnnie CochranThe attorneys representing Simpson, known as the “Dream Team,” included F. Lee Bailey, Robert Blasier, Shawn Chapman Holley, Robert Shapiro, and Alan Dershowitz; Johnnie Cochran later became the defense team's lead attorney.

Who is the police officer that the defense claims may have planted evidence?

Fuhrman maintains that he did not plant or manufacture evidence in the Simpson case, and Simpson's defense team did not present any evidence to contradict this claim....Mark FuhrmanPolice careerCountryUnited StatesDepartmentLos Angeles Police DepartmentService years1975–19956 more rows

Who was the attorney against OJ Simpson?

Marcia ClarkBornMarcia Rachel Kleks August 31, 1953 Alameda, California, U.S.EducationUniversity of California, Los Angeles (BA) Southwestern Law School (JD)OccupationProsecutor writer television correspondentYears active1979–present3 more rows

How much did OJ Simpson paid his defense team?

When Simpson hired his “dream team” of lawyers, they reportedly took up to $50,000 a day, paying him part due to his selling memorabilia from football games. Cochran led the dream team, which also featured Robert Kardashian, Robert Shapiro, Barry Scheck, Alan Dershowitz and F. Dods.Apr 5, 2022

Why did Fuhrman plead the Fifth?

Detective Mark Fuhrman was called back to the witness stand Wednesday and was asked point blank whether he planted evidence against O.J. Simpson. He refused to answer, invoking his Fifth-Amendment right against self-incrimination.

Is Mark Fuhrman married?

Janet Sosbeem. 1977–1980Barbara L. Koopm. 1973–1977Caroline Lodym. ?–2000Mark Fuhrman/Spouse

Where is Mark Fuhrman today 2021?

He then became a TV and radio personality with his own talk-radio show, “It's All About Crime With Mark Fuhrman,” and then “The Mark Fuhrman Show.” He is now a forensic and crime-scene expert for Fox News.Mar 29, 2016

What is the most important number in math?

Pi is the most recognized mathematical constant in the world. Scholars often consider Pi the most important and intriguing number in all of mathematics. [5] The symbol for pi (π) has been used regularly in its mathematical sense only for the past 250 years. [3]

How many decimal places does Pi have?

The father of calculus (meaning “pebble used in counting” from calx or “limestone”), Isaac Newton calculated pi to at least 16 decimal places. [12] Pi is also referred to as the “circular constant,” “Archimedes’ constant,” or “Ludolph’s number.”.

When was Albert Einstein born?

Albert Einstein was born on Pi Day (3/14/1879) "Pi Day" is celebrated on March 14 (which was chosen because it resembles 3.14). The official celebration begins at 1:59 p.m., to make an appropriate 3.14159 when combined with the date. Albert Einstein was born on Pi Day (3/14 /1879) in Ulm Wurttemberg, Germany.

Who invented the pi symbol?

William Jones (1675-1749) introduced the symbol “π” for pi in 1706, and it was later popularized by Leonhard Euler (1707-1783) in 1737. [3] The π symbol came into standard use in the 1700s, the Arabs invented the decimal system in A.D. 1000, and the equal sign (=) appeared in 1557. [5]

Is Pi a random number?

Pi is an irrational number, meaning its digits go on forever in a seemingly random sequence. [6] Darren Aronofsky’s fascinating movie π ( Pi: Faith in Chaos) shows how the main character’s attempt to find simple answers about pi (and, by extension, the universe) drives him mad.

What does the Greek letter P mean?

In the Greek alphabet, π ( piwas) is the sixteenth letter. In the English alphabet, p is also the sixteenth letter. [4] The letter π is the first letter of the Greek word “periphery” and “perimeter.”. The symbol π in mathematics represents the ratio of a circle’s circumference to its diameter.

Where does the word algebra come from?

The term “algorithm” derives from his name, and his text Kitab al-Ja br wal-Muqabala ( The Book of Completion Concerning Calculating by Transposition and Reduction) gives us the word “algebra” (from al-Jabr, which means “completion” or “restoration”).

Why was Leonard Peltier's conviction overturned?

Peltier's defense team argued to the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals that the conviction should be overturned because of the government's use of the Poor Bear affidavits in his extradition hearing. Panel judge Donald Ross, in oral argument, was strongly critical of the government's handling of the affidavits: "But can't you see, Mr. Hultman, what happened...gives some credence to the claim of the Indian people that the United States is willing to resort to any tactic in order to bring someone back to the United States--And if they are willing to do that, they must be willing to fabricate other evidence?" Despite these concerns, the court found that the government provided sufficient additional evidence to support extradition. The Eighth Circuit also rejected Peltier's laundry list of objections to the Fargo trial and upheld the conviction. In February 1979, the Supreme Court refused to review Peltier's case.

What happened to Jimmy Eagle?

Around 11 a.m. on a hot and sunny June 26, 1975, FBI agents Jack R. Coler, 28, and Ronald A. Williams, 27, entered the Jumping Bull compound in Oglala intending to serve an arrest warrant on Jimmy Eagle, a young Indian accused of kidnapping and armed assault, who they believed might be driving a red pickup truck. The agents began following a red and white van that they believed contained Jimmy Eagle. In fact, the vehicle contained Peltier and two other AIM members, Norman Charles and Joseph Stuntz. Peltier--according to a report he later gave Canadian authorities--believed that the agents were looking for him, not Jimmy Eagle, and that they intended to arrest him on his outstanding Wisconsin attempted murder charge. The van pulled over and, according to later testimony, its occupants "hopped out." Gunfire erupted. The agents stopped their cars on the road. Shots soon rang out from the windows of homes comprising the nearby Jumping Bull compound, as well as from near the tree line. Peltier, from his position by a row of junked cars near the woods, repeatedly rose from a prone position to fire at the agents, then fell prone again. Additional AIM members, hearing the sound of gunfire, rushed toward the scene. The agents soon found themselves pinned down amidst crossfire and were wounded. Coler was hit, most likely from a bullet fired through his open trunk lid, near his left elbow. Transmissions received from the agents between 11:45 and 11:50 a.m. first reported them following "some guys in a pickup," then later the ominous news, "They're going to shoot at us," then "We're pinned down in a cross-fire between two houses," and finally, "I have been hit."

When was Peltier extradited?

On June 18, 1976 , the Canadian judge ordered Peltier extradited on four of the five charges, including the two South Dakota murders. He did not find sufficient evidence to extradite on the charge of attempted murder relating to the shots fired at the police officer who pulled over the motor home in Oregon.

Who was the judge in the Peltier case?

U. S. Attorney Evan Hultman headed the prosecution team, while Ellie Taikeff, a New York lawyer, represented Peltier. An all-white jury of ten women and two men was selected to hear the case.

Who was Leonard Peltier?

Leonard Peltier, the jury unanimously concluded, was guilty of two counts of murder in the first degree. In his statement before sentencing on June 1, Peltier lambasted both the judge and the federal government.

Who founded the American Indian Movement?

Background. The American Indian Movement (AIM) was founded in Minnesota in 1968 by Eddie Benton Banai, George Mitchell, Dennis Banks, and Clyde Bellecourt. The organization promoted traditional Native American culture and sought to instill pride in the Native American community.

Where were the FBI agents killed?

On June 26, 1975, FBI Agents Jack Coler and Ronald Williams were murdered at Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in the southwest corner of South Dakota. Unknown to Agents Williams and Coler, Leonard Peltier was present on Pine Ridge.

What happened to Agent Coler and Williams?

At approximately 4:25 p.m., agents discovered the bodies of Williams and Coler lying beside Agent Coler’s vehicle. Agent Williams received bullet wounds to his left arm and side, foot, right hand, and head. Agent Coler received bullet wounds to the arm and head.

How many bullet holes were there in the Jumping Bull compound?

The agents’ weapons had fired a total of five rounds during the incident. The agents’ vehicles contained a total of 125 bullet holes. This total does not include the rounds that hit the agents, the windows, or were misses. Testimony indicated that other persons from a tent encampment near the Jumping Bull Compound arrived after hearing the firing and began shooting at the agents. According to witnesses, at least seven persons were believed to have fired at Williams and Coler.

When was the gun found in the Butler murders?

After the murders, those involved split up and fled in different directions. On September 5, 1975 , Agent Williams’ handgun and shells from both agents’ handguns were found in a vehicle near the residence where Darrelle Butler was arrested.

Who was Leonard Peltier?

On November 17, 1975, Leonard Peltier, along with Darrelle Dean “Dino” Butler, Robert Eugene Robideau, and James “Jimmy” Eagle were charged in a federal indictment with two counts of first-degree murder and aiding and abetting.

What is the Myrtle Poor Bear affidavit?

One of those instances is the claim that the Myrtle Poor Bear affidavits were the result of undue pressure by FBI agents on Poor Bear. The government has received criticism because Poor Bear’s second and third affidavits were used in Peltier’s extradition from Canada.

When was Peltier convicted?

However, the following are two arguments that appear to have been consistently raised since Peltier’s conviction in 1977.

What year was the year of the spy?

Year of the Spy (1985) In 1985 , a string of high-profile espionage arrests by the FBI and its partners led the press to dub it the “Year of the Spy.”. More →. 1 - 23 of 23 Results.

Who is the Tokyo Rose?

Iva Toguri d’Aquino and “Tokyo Rose”. Iva Toguri Aquino, who gained notoriety as the mythical Tokyo Rose, was the seventh person to be convicted of treason in U.S. history. More →.

What happened to Till?

Till was kidnapped, beaten beyond recognition, shot in the head, and thrown into the Tallahatchie River with a large fan tied to his neck. The woman’s husband and his half-brother were accused of murder, but an all-white jury acquitted them both.

How did Joseph Valachi get into the Mafia?

Joseph Valachi testifies before the Senate on October 1, 1963, showing how he was initiated into the Mafia by having to burn a crumbled ball of paper in his hands while taking the mob oath. AP Photo.

When did the Supreme Court decide that schools were not equal?

When nine black-robed Supreme Court judges sat down behind their mahogany bench on spring day in 1954 and declared that a separate system of schools for blacks and whites was not really equal after all, turning Jim Crow on its ear, the winds of change began to blow across America.

Who was the first black student to attend the University of Mississippi?

The next year, violence and riots erupted when James Meredith became the first black student to enroll at the University of Mississippi. In May 1963, Birmingham police commissioner “Bull” Connor—a known KKK member—unleashed police dogs and fire hoses on peaceful protestors.

What happened on August 24, 1970?

On August 24, 1970, two students at the University of Wisconsin—where antiwar sentiments ran high—joined two other men in using a powerful homemade bomb to blow up Sterling Hall, which housed the Army Mathematics Research Center. One graduate student was killed and three others injured.

When did the FBI stop using Cointelpro?

Hoover formally ended all Cointelpro operations in April 1971. Though fairly limited in scope (about two-tenths of one percent of the FBI’s investigative workload over a 15-year period), Cointelpro was later rightfully criticized by Congress and the country for abridging first amendment rights and for other reasons.

When did the FBI start a crime center?

On January 27, 1967, the FBI launched the National Crime Information Center, or NCIC, an electronic clearinghouse of criminal justice information (mug shots, crime records, etc.) that can be tapped into by police officers in squad cars or by police agencies nationwide.

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What happened to Peltier?

On July 20, 1979, he and two other inmates escaped from Federal Correctional Institution, Lompoc. One inmate was shot dead by a guard outside the prison and the other was captured 90 minutes later, approximately 1 mile ( 1.6 km) away . Peltier remained at large until he was captured by a search party three days later near Santa Maria, California, after a farmer alerted authorities that Peltier had consumed some of his crops for food. Peltier was later apprehended without incident. As he was in possession of a Ruger Mini-14 rifle at the time of his capture, Peltier was convicted and sentenced to serve a five-year sentence for escape and a two-year sentence for being a felon in possession of a firearm, in addition to his preexisting two life sentences.

Where did Leonard Peltier live?

Peltier was born on September 12, 1944, at the Turtle Mountain Indian Reservation of the Turtle Mountain Chippewa near Belcourt, North Dakota, in a family of 13 children. Peltier's parents divorced when he was four years old. Leonard and his sister Betty Ann lived with their paternal grandparents Alex and Mary Dubois-Peltier in the Turtle Mountain Indian Reservation. In September 1953, at the age of nine, Leonard was enrolled at the Wahpeton Indian School in Wahpeton, North Dakota, an Indian boarding school run by the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA). Leonard remained 150 miles (240 km) away from his home at Wahpeton Indian School through the ninth grade; the school forced assimilation to white American culture by requiring the children to use English and forbidding the inclusion of Native American culture. He graduated from Wahpeton in May 1957, and attended the Flandreau Indian School in Flandreau, South Dakota. After finishing the ninth grade, he returned to the Turtle Mountain Reservation to live with his father. Peltier later obtained a general equivalency degree (GED).

Who were the men arrested in the Jumping Bull shooting?

At least three men were arrested in connection with the shooting: Peltier, Robert Robideau, and Darrelle "Dino" Butler , all AIM members who were present on the Jumping Bull compound at the time of the shootings.

Was Peltier's trial fair?

Numerous doubts have been raised over Peltier's guilt and the fairness of his trial , based on allegations and inconsistencies regarding the FBI and prosecution's handling of this case. Several key witnesses in the initial trial have recanted their statements and admitted they were made under duress at the hands of the FBI. At least one witness was given immunity from prosecution in exchange for testimony against Peltier.

What is the movie Thunderheart about?

Warrior, The Life of Leonard Peltier (1992) is a feature documentary film about Peltier's life, the American Indian Movement , and his trial directed by Suzie Baer.

Where did Leonard go to school?

In September 1953, at the age of nine, Leonard was enrolled at the Wahpeton Indian School in Wahpeton, North Dakota, an Indian boarding school run by the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA).

Who was Peltier's girlfriend?

Peltier was convicted in 1977 largely on the evidence presented by three witness affidavits, all signed by Myrtle Poor Bear, that placed him at the scene of the shootout and contended that Peltier planned his crimes. Poor Bear claimed to be Peltier's girlfriend at the time, but later admitted that she never knew him personally. Moreover, Poor Bear was known to be mentally unstable. This was confirmed when the FBI deemed her unfit to testify at court. But her testimony, as put forth in her previous affidavits, remained a key part of the prosecution's case against Peltier. Two other witnesses whose testimony was used to place Peltier at the scene of the crime also later recanted. They alleged that the FBI had coerced and threatened them by tying them to chairs, denying them their right to talk to their attorney, and otherwise intimidated them.