Posted on 01/16/2009 5:19:32 PM PST by Ebenezer
ALEXANDRIA, VA. -- Barring Supreme Court intervention, former U.S. Rep. William Jefferson, D-New Orleans, will go on trial May 26, nearly two years after a federal grand jury indicted him on charges of demanding bribes to advance business projects in Western Africa.
Thursday's scheduling of the trial by Judge T.S. Ellis III was a victory for Jefferson's lawyers, who had asked the judge, over Justice Department objections, to wait at least until late April, when they anticipate a Supreme Court ruling on their plea to drop 14 of the 16 charges pending against the former congressman.
Their arguments, rejected by both Ellis and the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Richmond, Va., are that the grand jury that indicted Jefferson heard testimony about his congressional responsibilities in violation of a separation of powers clause in the Constitution.
(Excerpt) Read more at nola.com ...
Wonder if it will be on Court TV?
That might actually be entertaining to watch.
When is Denny Hastert going to testify as a character witness?
the feds love these speedy trials!!
Dont think so; IIRC no cameras allowed in federal court.
Will he be Obams first pardon!
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