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Bladojevich Jury Deliberations: Day Two

By Jeralyn, Section Corruption Cases
Posted on Thu Jul 29, 2010 at 11:41:12 AM EST
Tags: Rod Blagojevich (all tags)
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10:37 am MT: The jury in the trial of former Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich and his brother Robert had a question for the judge this morning. They asked for a transcript of closing arguments. The judge told them closing arguments were not evidence and refused.

Rod Blagojevich tweeted an hour ago:

Thanks so much for the messages. I'm reading them and they are very much appreciated. Thanks for your belief in me.

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    Bladojevich Jury Deliberations: Day Two | 6 comments (6 topical)

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    Interesting that the judge (none / 0) (#1)
    by dk on Thu Jul 29, 2010 at 12:03:47 PM EST
    would not allow the jury to see a transcript of closing arguments.

    I understand that the arguments aren't evidence, but is there a hard and fast rule that transcripts of the arguments can't be provided to juries?  Or is a discretionary call by the judge?  

    Jeralyn, have you ever seen juries provided with transcripts of opening/closing arguments?

    Opening and closing arguments (none / 0) (#6)
    by jbindc on Fri Jul 30, 2010 at 08:03:49 AM EST
    Are basically commercials where each side fits the evidence into the narrative that they want to present.  The prosecution says the evidence fits the elements of the crime; the defense will say it doesn't fit.  Opening and closing arguments are not evidence, so (where I'm from at least), I can't imagine a judge allowing a jury to have transcripts of the opening or closing arguments.  Jurors are usually told to "rely on their collective memories".

    Parent
    This smells good for Blago (none / 0) (#2)
    by Big Tent Democrat on Thu Jul 29, 2010 at 12:04:58 PM EST


    Yup (none / 0) (#3)
    by diogenes on Thu Jul 29, 2010 at 01:01:19 PM EST
    If I were a juror I'd be very frustrated by not being allowed to see closing arguments, whatever the legalese behind it.  

    Parent
    Don't understand this judge (none / 0) (#4)
    by Saul on Thu Jul 29, 2010 at 04:15:26 PM EST
    If the closing arguments are not evidence then why did he object so much against what the defense attorney could say or not say in his closing arguments.  

    Perhaps they just want to hear again (none / 0) (#5)
    by Untold Story on Thu Jul 29, 2010 at 05:52:07 PM EST
    Adams' joke about the Italian lady and her donkey!

    Bladojevich Jury Deliberations: Day Two | 6 comments (6 topical)

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