Posted on 11/01/2004 5:26:22 AM PST by runningbear
Redwood City, CA, Oct. 31 (UPI) -- Jurors could hear some new ground plowed Monday when they listen to closing arguments in the Scott Peterson murder trial.
(Excerpt) Read more at washingtontimes.com ...
Peterson prosecutors set for closing arguments
REDWOOD CITY, Calif. - Prosecutors were prepared to tell jurors why they believe Scott Peterson should be convicted in his pregnant wife's murder when closing arguments began Monday.
The judge in the double-murder trial set aside two days for attorneys to present closing arguments. Prosecutors were set to go first, followed by the defense and then a prosecution rebuttal. Jurors are expected to begin deliberations as early as Wednesday.
Panelists will have two ........
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REDWOOD CITY, Calif. - It's Scott's last chance. Whether fertilizer salesman Scott Peterson is convicted of murdering his pregnant wife, Laci Peterson, and dumping her body in San Francisco Bay may likely be determined in closing arguments beginning tomorrow.
That's the view of several courtroom observers who believe Scott Peterson's flashy Hollywood lawyer stumbled badly trying to present a strong defense the last six days of the double-murder trial.
Attorney Mark Geragos had vowed he would prove his client "stone-cold innocent" - and that Laci Peterson's baby, Conner, was born alive, and both mother and child were murdered by mysterious transients, sex offenders or a satanic cult........
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ODDSMAKERS FAVOR SCOTT CONVICTION
ODDSMAKERS FAVOR SCOTT CONVICTION
November 1, 2004 -- REDWOOD CITY, Calif. — Scott Peterson will be convicted of murdering his pregnant wife, Laci — if the bookies are right.
World Sports Exchange wagering director Steve Schillinger posted odds on the trial for the first time — 2-3 for guilty — meaning a bet of $300 wins $200.
He was surprised to get $20,000 worth of action in one night. When the money on guilty came in even heavier than he expected, he shortened the odds to 1-2 for guilty, meaning a bet of $200 wins $100. .......
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Prosecutor Rick Distaso said in his opening statement "this is a common-sense case," pointing to Peterson's fishing alibi and his double life with girlfriend Amber Frey.
Defense attorney Mark Geragos told jurors "Scott Peterson is stone-cold innocent" and "the evidence is going to show you that this baby was born alive."
Three people testified that they heard Scott Peterson say he golfed Christmas Eve 2002; he told police and others .........
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After five months, closings to begin in Scott Peterson's murder trial
REDWOOD CITY, Calif. — Closing arguments in Scott Peterson's double-murder trial are slated to begin Monday morning with a prosecutor trying to persuade jurors there is enough evidence to convict the fertilizer salesman of killing his pregnant wife and son.
Prosecutor Rick Distaso's summation, scheduled for 9:30 a.m., is expected to stretch the entire day. Defense lawyer Mark Geragos will follow him Tuesday morning to argue that the prosecution has insufficient evidence of his client's guilt. And Distaso will address the jury a final time in rebuttal.
The six-man, six-woman panel is to begin deliberating Wednesday and will be sequestered at night and on weekends in a local hotel until they reach a verdict.
Legal experts are divided about the importance of summations, with some saying the arguments have the potential to determine the verdict and others saying that, after 184 witnesses in five months, jurors are likely to have already made up their minds.
Story continues .........
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Jury to be given option of 2nd-degree murder
Defense lawyers opposed possible compromise verdict
Jurors in Scott Peterson's double-murder trial will have the option to convict the former fertilizer salesman of either first- or second-degree murder in the deaths of his wife and the couple's unborn son, Judge Alfred Delucchi ruled Friday.
A second-degree verdict, an option opposed by Peterson's attorneys, could help prosecutors win a conviction, according to legal analysts following the case.
"It makes it much easier for the jury to have a guilty verdict,'' said Robert Talbot, a law professor at the University of San Francisco who has been following the case. "It gives room for the jury to compromise."
It would also mean that Peterson would not face the death penalty as he would if convicted of first-degree murder in both killings. Under second-degree sentencing rules, Peterson would face 15 years to life in prison for each crime -- or 30 ........
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Ground never covered in Scott Peterson's trial could rival evidence that was introduced when lawyers make their final pleas to the jury.
Over five months, attorneys on both sides questioned 184 witnesses and introduced hundreds of exhibits. Attorneys likely will focus their closing arguments, starting Monday, on that body of evidence.
But they won't miss a chance, legal analysts say, to remind jurors of opponents' broken promises.
And in this twisting, turning trial, both sides are vulnerable.
Most obvious, perhaps, was defense ..........
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PINGING.... final court phase until jury verdict!
PINGING.... final court phase until jury verdict!
PINGING.... final court phase until jury verdict!
Thank you, runningbear!
That's the spirit!
okay... bye now!! ;o)
Hopefully, justice....
welcome. ....
Thank you rb!!!!!
likewise to all! ;o)
sw
The Persistence of Peterson.
Would you like to be pinged every time someone shows interest?
LOL..... thank you too!!! ;o)
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