Free Republic

NORWALK -- Prosecutors in the Michael Skakel case Thursday sought to give the jury a fallback option that would soften the penalty for a murder verdict. But hours later they withdrew their request that the jury be instructed on the possible role of extreme emotional disturbance in the brutal attack on Martha Moxley. Defense attorney Mickey Sherman said the prosecutors' actions telegraphed a lack of confidence in their case. Prosecutors countered that they wanted to give the jury the widest latitude possible, but realized they would run the risk of unprecedented appellate issues if they pursued that course. The day's...