Friday, March 02, 2007

Jeralyn has the text of the jury notes to the judge regarding the jury's "reasonable doubt" issues, and her own observations as to what she thinks it all means. Additionally, here is what Christy has to say.

Meanwhile, here is the NYT story on the jury notes.

And finally, Stan Brand on what he thinks is going to happen after a verdict.
Libby trial development: This just in from the court:

"The Libby jury delivered two notes containing questions when they were excused today. Both twill be available on the public docket later today. Court will convene at 9 a.m. on Monday March 5 to address the notes."

There will almost certainly be news reports-- and more importantly at Firedoglake-- about the notes. At that time, I'll update and link to the stories and post. (On the other hand, I have to go out and get a hair cut, so those who want it sooner should just click on Firedoglake later, or check out the NYT website.)

Tuesday, February 27, 2007

This may be nepotism or favoritism of sorts (although it's not like I recommended anyone for a junket to Niger or anything-- have to have a Plame reference in every post so as not to alienate my readers who only want to read about the Libby trial), but I recommend that everyone who reads this blog-- all six of you, and on some days as many as seven or eight-- vote for this particular blog for the Travvies award, an award for the best travel blogs. The blog has already been named as a finalist. (It is always an honor to just be nominated by the Academy!) Even if she doesn't win, maybe some more of you will come by her blog.

Meanwhile, congratulations to this blog for winning an award as Best D.C. blog. (I first came upon this blog... well never mind for now.) He/she should also win for best acceptance speech/blog post:

"We won this together. The journey of a thousand miles began with your single click. I thank my grandmother, my mother, my brothers back home, my brothers who are here with me now, and my aunt who's back at the hotel. And Jennifer Holliday and Velvet -- thank you, Jennifer Holliday and Velvet.

"I never gave up the dream of becoming Best DC Blog. When told I couldn't do it, I just pushed harder. But without all of you, I couldn't have have achieved any of this."

I personally voted for Thong Speed. The name of that particular blog alone had me at hello.

Monday, February 26, 2007

The jurors have gone home for another night without reaching a verdict.
Libby trial: Apparently, Fitzgerald wanted to add an alternate juror to the jury and start all over, while the defense argued that the deliberations should continue with the eleven jurors left. Judge Walton sided with the defense.

According to this report:

"Walton agreed with the defense's request that the jury will continue deliberating with 11 members, rejecting Special Counsel Patrick J. Fitzgerald's request that the judge call back one of two alternates and start deliberations over. The jury had been deliberating since Wednesday afternoon.

"`I just don't think it would be appropriate to throw away those 2 ½ days of deliberations," he said. "I don't have anything to suggest that this jury is anything but conscientious and can continue.'"

Libby: A juror has been excused because she apparently was accidentally exposed to a news report about the trial. Details here.

As best that I can determine, the judge has decided to allow the eleven remaining jurors to decide the case, instead of starting all over, with an alternative juror joining them. That's significant because the jury's deliberations are not going to continue interrupted-- rather than having to begin "anew"-- to borrowl a phrase from Scooter Libby.

Why did Fitzgerald and Wells agree to go with eleven? Speculation from Jane. NRO has these ideas.

Update: NYT story just posted.

Sunday, February 25, 2007