It’s one of the last steps before jurors begin deciding the fate of Rod Blagojevich.
CHICAGO (AP) — It’s one of the last steps before jurors begin deciding the fate of Rod Blagojevich.
Attorneys for the former Illinois governor and prosecutors will meet Friday to agree on instructions that the judge will give to jurors before they begin deliberating.
They’ll likely include Judge James Zagel telling jurors not to give any weight to Blagojevich’s decision not to testify despite saying for months that he would.
Both the former governor and his brother have pleaded not guilty to scheming to sell an appointment to President Barack Obama’s old Senate seat. Closing arguments begin Monday.
Trial consultant Darrow Abrahams says there’s a standard jury instructions template and usually not much leeway. He says instructions help jurors process complex arguments and evidence.
Copyright 2010 The Associated Press.
About Post Author
