Court TV extended the offer to Dershowitz not only because he is widely respected in the legal world, Dann said, but because in the past, Dershowitz has appeared as a guest on Court TV and has been an extremely valuable asset.

Dann said the show is still in the works. Court TV plans to work with him to create it.

"Everyone here is very excited to have him come," Dann said. "He'll help people understand not only the particular trials but all the issues that come into play."

Dershowitz said he hopes to further some of his personal research.

"I've spent a lot of time thinking whether televising trials is a good thing," he said. "This will be a good chance to see it first hand. There is a lot of televising of trials, and I will be able to participate for a year and be objective."

Dershowitz received more than 100 offers to teach, write and appear on television during his year off but turned almost all of them down.

He chose the weekly segment on Court TV because it "sounded interesting," he said. "It's just for one year, for two hours a week. It's not a career change either."