O.J. Simpson trial good for privacy?

Brian Doherty from the January 1997 issue

Despite its ill effects on race relations, media behavior, and respect for the jury system, the O.J. Simpson criminal trial had some positive effects on privacy in America, believe it or not. In 1993-94, the wiretappinest state judge in California was none other than Simpson case star Lance Ito. Ito approved eight different taps that intercepted over 24,000 calls at a cost of over $1.3 million. These taps resulted in only 16 arrests and only three convictions. The cases all involved narcotics.

During the 1994-95 reporting period--according to Wiretap Report, published by the Administrative Office of the United States Courts--Judge Ito, busy with the Simpson case, approved not a single tap.