Opening statements start today in Blackwater trial

[maddezmom]

Source: Virginia Pilot

Opening statements are expected today in the federal murder trial of two former Blackwater contractors charged with killing two Afghan civilians and wounding a third.

U.S. District Judge Robert G. Doumar had hoped to get a full panel of jurors and get to opening statements by the attorneys Tuesday, but by mid-afternoon, it was clear that wouldn't happen.
¬snip¬

In the meantime, prosecutors filed a last-minute motion to quash expert testimony that defense attorneys want to introduce. The judge has not ruled on the motion.

`snip¬

"Put simply, the defendants seek to use expert testimony to avoid having to take the stand and testify, a tactic this court should reject," the prosecutors wrote in a motion to the judge.

Expert testimony is allowed under limited circumstances, according to court procedures and case law.


Read more: http://hamptonroads.com/2010/09/opening-statements-start-today-blackwater-trial-0

[OnyxCollie]

1. K&R. nt

[Soylent Brice]

2. K&R