by Art Lien | Jan 24, 2007 | Courtroom

Craig Schmall, the CIA employee who daily briefed the Vice-President and Lewis Libby, testified about notes he would write in the briefing book table of contents. On June 14, 2003, the same day he made a notation about Joe Wilson and Valerie Wilson, Schmall also wrote: “Tom Cruise & Penelope Cruz at office”. He testified that their visit was to express concerns about the treatment of Scientologists in Germany.
Washington Post story is here.
New York Times story here.
by Art Lien | Jan 23, 2007 | Courtroom

In opening arguments to the jury today “Scooter” Libby’s lead attorney, Ted Wells, portrayed his client as a sacrificial lamb “put through the meat grinder” by the White House in an attempt to protect Karl Rove.
The sketch shows Ted Wells addressing the jury while Libby and his wife look on.
Washington Post story here.
by Art Lien | Jan 22, 2007 | Courtroom

We can’t show the mostly white jury of nine women and three men, so here’s a drawing of Libby watching the selection process.
Washington Post story here.
by Art Lien | Jan 19, 2007 | Congress, Courtroom

Judge Ellen S. Huvelle sentenced former congressman Bob Ney to 30 months in jail -three more than the Justice Dept. had asked for- and $6000. in fines for accepting tens of thousands of dollars in trips and other perks from disgraced lobbyist Jack Abramoff.
Prior to sentencing the judge received letters from citizens, most of them from Ohio, asking her to impose the maximum sentence. One read “throw the book at him. Throw two books…”
Washington Post story here.
by Art Lien | Jan 18, 2007 | Courtroom

Despite Judge Walton’s best efforts, and a promise to stay late into the evening, empanelling a jury in the the Libby trial this week was not to be, and opening arguments, originally set for Monday will have to be moved to Tuesday, or even Wednesday of next week.
Washington Post story here.