Oral argument:Â
March 22, 2005
In 1983, Ulysses Tory retained Johnnie L. Cochran, Jr. as his attorney in a personal injury lawsuit. Dissatisfied with Cochran's manner of representation, Tory complained that Cochran was conspiring with the City of Los Angeles against him. Tory threatened Cochran and claimed that he would "settle" his conspiracy claims against Cochran if Cochran quickly paid him $10 million…." Cochran consequently withdrew as Tory's lawyer. Tory made subsequent requests for money, which Cochran ignored.