Siegelman Lawyers Want Conviction Overturned

[babylonsister]

http://tpmmuckraker.talkingpointsmemo.com/2008/12/siegelman_lawyers_want_convict.php

Siegelman Lawyers Make Oral Arguments In Appeal Of Conviction
By Zachary Roth - December 9, 2008, 3:37PM


Lawyers for Don Siegelman -- the former Alabama governor who was convicted in 2006 on corruption chrages, despite evidence that the prosecution was politically motivated -- have made their first oral arguments in their appeal.

The Associated Press reports that the the defense lawyers are leading with a different argument, that the conviction should be overturned "partly because jurors communicated with each other during the trial."

It continues:

Siegelman attorney Sam Heldman also told the panel of the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Atlanta that prosecutors did not prove Siegelman had a "quid pro quo" agreement to appoint {HealthSouth CEO Richard} Scrushy to a hospital board in exchange for contributions to a state lottery campaign.

As we've told you before, the US Attorney in the case continued to advise prosecutors even after formally recusing herself becasue her husband is a GOP operative and Karl Rove ally.

[BootinUp]

1. I hope he has some good ones (attorneys I mean). nt

[Pastiche423]

2. As the trial only lasted 45 minutes

I feel a lot better that Gov. Don will win his appeal. (Don said, "the questions indicated the judges had a depth of knowledge and understanding of the case."

Can't wait to hear what the judge says tomorrow!