Conflict theorists contend that the entire criminal justice system of the United States treats suspects differently on the basis of their racial, ethnic, or social class background. In that regard, the 1993 rape trial of William Kennedy Smith (nephew of President John Kennedy) and the 1995 double-homicide trial of O.J. Simpson served as dramatic reminders that affluent defendants in criminal cases can mount impressive and costly defenses far beyond the means of most people.