More on Scooter

Over at the Powe Line blog, a reader offered the following observations on Victoria Toensing’s Washington Post column on the Scooter Libbey witch hunt trial. This prosecution is possibly one of the more pointless, politically motivated exercises to find its way into a court room in quite some time. Read on for the substances of the Power Line post:

Libby is a Scapegoat

So saith attorney Victoria Toensing in tomorrow’s Washington Post. I happen to agree with Victoria. If Scooter Libbly is convicted on this bogus charge by this hyperactive prosecutor, it is an injustice.

BALCO Reporters Avoid Jail

According to the San Francisco Chronicle, two reporters avoided jail for reporting on the BALCO steroids story when a criminal defense lawyer pleaded guilty to leaking the information to them. While I continue to question the wisdom of this ridiculous investigatiojn, I’ve got to say, its always a bad idea to leak Rule 6(e) info.

Sentencing is Out of Whack

Stuart Taylor, who always has an interesting viewpoint on legal matters, has written an excellent essay for the National Journal in which he discusses the completely out of whack sentencing system. Taylor focuses on the recent trend of lengthy prison terms for white collar offenders. In my view, Taylor hots the nail squarely on the head. I challenge anyone to offer a rational explanation as to how sending defendants such as Bernie Ebbers and Jeff Skilling to prison for 25 years is compatible with justice, especially in a world where many sent to prison for homicide and similar serious, violent offenses, serve far less time.

Arthur Branch Criticizes Libby Prosecution

Former Senator Fred Thompson, who plays New York District Attorney Arthur Branch on NBC’s “Law & Order” has criticized the Scooter Libby prosecution as “a travesty of justice.” I have to agree with Senator Thompson. And not just because I love Arthur Branch.

Anna Nicole Smith Dead – Foul Play?

As you have likely heard, former Playboy Playmate Anna Nicole Smith died today. It appears that the cirsumstances of her death are suspicious, and there is speculation that foul play may have been involved. Court TV’s story on Anna Nicole’s death can be found here. More is available here, here, here, and here.

UPDATE: While the cause of death remains a mystery, it does not appear, at this point, that any criminal conduct caused Anna Nicole’s death.

D.A. Asks State AG to Take Over Reid Investigation

Montgomery County District Attorney Bruce Castor has asked the State Attorney General’s office to take over the criminal investigations into Eagles Coach Andy Reid’s sons, citing conflicts of interest. Apparently Castor, who had previously recused himself personally, is friends with one of the lawyers for the Reid boys, and is also considering joining the law firm at which that lawyer is a partner.

Fumo Cries Politics

Vince Fumo’s lead lawyer, Richard Sprague, today claimed that his client’s indictment is all about politics, and claims that the investigation and indictments were instigated by the Bush Administration. I am as sympathetic as anyone else when it comes to the overzealousness of federal prosecutors. I happen to agree that federal prosecutors are political animals first and lawyers second, and are motivated primarily by political advancement as opposed to doing justice. On those points I would expect that Mr. Sprague and I would agree. I would tend to doubt, however, that there is anyone in the Bush Administration who has ever given much serious thought to the subject of Vince Fumo, let alone plotted to destroy him.  Mr. Sprague has made serious allegations. If he cannot back them up, his client may well become a guest of the federal government for a period of time. If that is the substance of Senator Fumo’s defense, I’d say he’s in trouble.

Libby Defense to Challenge Russert’s Credibility

Scooter Libby’d defense team will try and raise doubts about the credibility of NBC News icon Tim Russert, CNN reports. Of course defense lawyers will alsways try and raise questions about the credibility and truthfulness of prosecution witnesses, and Russert is a critical witness for the prosecution’s case. I happen to think that Libby is being railroaded, and that this whole prosecution is a colossal waste of time and money. I hope, however, that the defense team has more up its sleeve than trying to dent Russert. The guy is a news icon, and someone with a tremendous amount of recognition and stored up credibility with the public. My guess is, if it comes down to making a choice as to whether Libby or Russert is more believable, the jury is going to side with Russert.

Forget McNabb – the Biggest Question for Andy Reid is Whether His Kids Will Do Time

Britt Reid, son of Philadelphia Eagles head coach Andy Reid was arrested and charged today with several drug and weapons related offenses. It sounds like young Britt’s in a good bit of hot water here.