WILL O.J. TAKE THE STAND?

Attorneys for both sidesin the O.J. Simpson case waited anxiously for Judge Lance Ito's ruling on yesterday's courtroom outburst. Defense attorneys argue that a criminalist's statement that he believed Simpson had "an airtight alibi" was based on his knowledge ofSimpson's initial statement to police, while prosecutors contend he was basing this opinion on media reports. If Ito agrees with the defense, Simpson's entire taped statement to police could be played for the jurors, while Simpson might not have to take the stand and expose his version of events to potentially damaging cross-examination from prosecutors. TIME Los Angeles correspondent James Willwerth notes that although the prosecution does not want this tape to be played, Willwerth says, it may also fear testimony from Simpson: "Only a couple of months ago they would have loved to see O.J. up there. But now they're beginning to believe that he might hold up very well under questioning."