DOJ Statement On Stevens Case

[mod mom]

DOJ Statement On Stevens Case
By Zachary Roth - April 1, 2009, 9:10AM
The Justice Department has released a statement on the decision to drop the Ted Stevens case:

STATEMENT OF ATTORNEY GENERAL ERIC HOLDER REGARDING UNITED STATES V. THEODORE F. STEVENS

"In connection with the post-trial litigation in United States v. Theodore F. Stevens, the Department of Justice has conducted a review of the case, including an examination of the extent of the disclosures provided to the defendant. After careful review, I have concluded that certain information should have been provided to the defense for use at trial. In light of this conclusion, and in consideration of the totality of the circumstances of this particular case, I have determined that it is in the interest of justice to dismiss the indictment and not proceed with a new trial.

"The Department's Office of Professional Responsibility will conduct a thorough review of the prosecution of this matter. This does not mean or imply that any determination has been made about the conduct of those attorneys who handled the investigation and trial of this case.

"The Department of Justice must always ensure that any case in which it is involved is handled fairly and consistent with its commitment to justice. Under oftentimes trying conditions, the attorneys who serve in this Department live up to those principles on a daily basis. I am proud of them and of the work they do for the American people."

http://tpmmuckraker.talkingpointsmemo.com/2009/04/doj_statement_on_stevens_case.php

[derby378]

1. The fix is in

And yes, we want those prosecutors behind bars.

[polmaven]

4. I doubt they can be put behind bars,

but DISMISSED and DISBARRED should be easily accomplished.

[Botany]

2. Why is it that we have to follow the law but the other side doesn't?

Oh well he is 85 + years old, gone from the senate, and the seat is now in democratic hands.

I think the DoJ wanted this to go away because of his age and health.

[mod mom]

3. Madoff is old, Cheney is old, should we let them off? Justice should be blind.

If the trial was tainted, then re-try him. He is guilty!

[Botany]

5. We have to "pick our battles"

Madoff ruined so many lives it is not funny and Cheney started a war to make money
and yes Stevens is a nasty old cuss but he is not worth the effort. Besides if he has
already been given a trial his consul could argue "double jepordy" and tie the case
up for the rest of his life.

I kinda wonder if the DoJ people who ran his trial planted a "poison pill" so as
to get the case tossed out .... I wonder if they were bush people.

[mod mom]

6. If Holder wanted to drop charges on a prominent case w injustice, why not pick Siegelman?

Stevens is a crusty old fart but as an elected public official, shouldn't he at least be held to the same standard as the public? sorry disagree w you here , Botany, re-try him. I'm tired of 2 sets of justice.

[KharmaTrain]

7. Charges Dropped Doesn't Mean The Conviction Still Isn't Standing

I think it's refreshing to hear a Justice Department admit they screwed up. I'm far more concerned with over-zealous prosecutors.

Bottom line is to have his conviction overturned, Stevens will now have to appeal to have that conviction overturned. This isn't like calling a halt before going to trial. A jury has determined he was guilty. Now if that guilt was based on an improper prosecution, this should and must be recognized and either a judge can overturn the conviction or call for a new trial.

Grouping different criminals and crimes misses the point. The DOJ screwed up this prosecution and at least Holder is admitting that. Or would you prefer a politicized Justice Department?