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[Ex Governor George] Ryan will not testify
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Candidate
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| Contributor | COSDem |
| Last Edited | COSDem Feb 22, 2006 02:20pm |
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| Category | News |
| News Date | Wednesday, February 22, 2006 08:00:00 PM UTC0:0 |
| Description | Former Gov. George Ryan will not testify at his own public corruption trial, his lawyers said today, bringing the 21-week case closer to an end.
Ryan, 71, had wrestled with the decision, especially in recent weeks as his defense team looks to wrap up its portion of the case. Lead defense lawyer Dan Webb has said throughout the trial that Ryan intended on testifying. But this afternoon, Webb said Ryan has taken his advice not to take the stand. He said Ryan made the final decision this morning.
“I don’t think the government has proven its case beyond a reasonable doubt,” Webb said.
Webb also said he believes the defense could rest this week and possibly start closing arguments next week. Webb said by his estimate closings could take four days, possibly starting Tuesday and ending Friday. Assistant U.S. Attorney Patrick Collins said prosecutors could start their rebuttal case tomorrow but it could possibly spill into Monday.
Conventional wisdom in most cases dictates that defendants should not take the stand. Many defense lawyers fear that burden of proof, in jurors’ eyes, shifts from the government and falls squarely on the defendant’s believability. But Ryan lawyers have said jurors might expect to hear from a public figure.
Ryan’s codefendant, Lawrence Warner, 67, also will not take the stand, his lawyer Ed Genson told U.S. District Judge Rebecca Pallmeyer. |
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