12. The Rodney King/LAPD Trial (1992)
The Rodney King trial became a watershed moment in American history when four Los Angeles police officers were acquitted of brutally beating King, an unarmed Black motorist. The verdict ignited the devastating 1992 LA riots, exposing deep-seated racial tensions and the urgent issue of police brutality. This high-profile case forced the nation to confront uncomfortable truths about justice, accountability, and systemic inequality in law enforcement, sparking conversations that continue to this day. Read more
