Back in
Mr. Libby’s status. Only issue is whether appeal would raise substantial questions of law or fact.
Wells: Our position that based on number of extensive opinions your honor could rule form bench that there are substantial issues.
Walton: I think all those opinions are correct.
Wells: WRT to appointments clause issue, tension between Larson and Edmond, this issue is clearly one that raises novel issues for which there is no controlling case law. Similarly, wrt memory expert, in your honor’s extensive opinion, your honor recognized was question of first impression. Those two issues by themselves.
Those by themselves would justify bail pending appeal. Other opinions your honor recognizes novelty. To the extent your honor would briefing, we could have briefing by eod Thursday. On those two issues alone, we meet the standard. We don’t have to establish with caselaw there is a probability, we only have to prove there are substantial questions, wrt to those alone, the court recognizes that the court was going into uncharted territory.
Walton Govt
Fitz: Your honor, we’d disagree, either wrt appointments clause or memory expert. It is not unique to deny expert memory, done after full and fair hearing.
Walton On issue of memory expert, I have no question. Testimony presented by witness was totally lacking both factual and from a legal perspective, if on that record, we’re not being gatekeepers as Doubert would require, if that were admissible, we could never keep out anything. I don’t see any basis for any potential reversal.
Walton: as far as appointment clause, the question is the extent to which there is appropriate supervision over Mr. Fitz and his operation. He was obviously confirmed by senate, occupies a position in Chicago as USA, he was tasked to conduct this investigation, even though AG, and DAG, have recused themselves, there was no indication they had recused themselves wrt supervisory issues if he did not conduct himself according to rules and regulations of DOJ.
Otherwise it seems to me that people who occupy high levels of DOJ, it would mean people who have direct responsibility for DOJ couldn’t be brought in.
[note, this is relevant to the USA purge]
Jeffress: your honor said tension between these cases. Your honor spent 29 pages resolving that. You didn’t do it bc it was an easy question. You recognize there is no case directly on point. I have no doubt that your decisions are correct. Release pending appeal does not require judges to correct their own errors. What is required is that there be a close issue, one that could be decided the other way.
There are numerous issues on which your honor submitted lengthy opinions. The court should allow us to resolve a brief on this issue. Release pending appeal does not require you to say that you were wrong. Judge Friedman, on releasing Safavian. We’d like to submit a brief on this.
Walton: I have fully rethought those decision. I think I’m right.
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FITZ!
PJF!
fitz!
does walton’s agreement on substantial issues mean he is going to let libby stay out of jail pending appeal???
Fitz
So what’s the deal? He stays out or not pending appeal?
msnbc says free til appeal done – fuck!
Toobin on CNN:
“Walton threw the book at him”
“250K is no minor issue given he’s a man not of independent wealth”
Boo Frickin Hoo
FITZ!
jayt @ 7
I had a feeling that would be the case. Pisses me off
30 Months.
This is kind of disappointing. Once Walton decided on the 30-37 month range for sentencing, the next thing he should have taken into account was the amount of contrition expressed by Libby.
Which was: None.
With that in mind, Libby should have gotten the 37 months at the high end of Fitzgerald’s recommendation.
Oh well. At least Walton sentenced in the high range of the guidelines. That’s something to be grateful for anyway.
maddezmom @ 9
CNN is NOT YET reporting that. They are saying not yet determined.
Free until appeals exausted? If so that does it for me and “justice”. Lets see now, Paris is in jail.
Fitz! Marcy, Jane, Christy! FDL!!
maddezmom @ 10
This hasn’t been decided yet. MSNBC has it wrong.
maddezmom @ 10
jayt @ 7
That was the quote?
I just looked at MSNBC
Oklahoma kiddo @ 13
Yeah, well she didn’t end the Cold War !!! /s
must. not. refresh.
It looks as though they are still arguing the “out on appeal” issue. Wells is arguing the memory expert decision and the Fitz is not qualified issue are grounds for appeal.
Kevster @ 8
Just get Fred Thompson and Richard Carlson to get their neo-con buddies to contribute to the Scooter Libby Penalty Fund.
Out on bail? Shit.
I don’t think he’ll do one minute of actual prison time, as he’s “in the club” … sad, sad … They’re probably building him a palace in Dubai as we speak …
If he doesn’t go to jail today, he never will. The people lost.
How long will it take Scooter’s apologists to imply Walton is partisan?
Of course there are considerations. Not a threat to the community. Will not flee the jurisdiction of the court, etc.
Punishment is the only thing these creeps are afraid of. Glad Walton threw the book at him, but Cheney can pony up that without even thinking about it.
That was the quote?
I just looked at MSNBC
Walton did not immediately address whether Libby could remain free pending appeal.
yeah, that was their on-scene reporting. I’m still holding out hope they’re wrong.
The Fitz not qualified issue is total one hundred percent frakkin’ bullshit.
It may take a day, or so, but Walton’s IIPA discussion regarding the cross-referencing on the Obstruction Charge should leave all of us looking at a sheepish ‘Who me?’ Cheney.
The IIPA charge is still looking for an owner…this sentencing doesn’t end that.
Keep going, Fitz!
Diane @ 23
Um, Negative 120 days or so.
I don’t get Walton’s “No reason to believe he would commit another crime.”
Only because he’s out of government, I guess. Back with Cheney he’d continue as needed, I’m sure.
The Smoking Gun (via Kos) has the some letters from Libby supporters up. A few..
James Carville and Mary Matalin
Henry Kissenger
Gen. Peter Pace
retired Gen. Richard Myers
Paul Wolfowitz
John Bolton
Doug “Stupid Motherfucker” Feith
James “Saddam did the Oklahoma City bombing” Woolsey
http://www.thesmokinggun.com/a…..ibby1.html
“Even though I’m a tranquil guy now at this stage of my life, I
have nothing but contempt and anger for those who betray the trust by
exposing the name of our sources. They are, in my view, the most
insidious, of traitors.”
George H.W. Bush, remarks at the Dedication Ceremony for the
George Bush Center for Intelligence, 26 April 1999.
are they still arguing whether or not he will remain free on bond pending his appeal?
cricket @ 32
Yes. Not decided.
jayt @ 7
Where’s Shuster? Isn’t this his story?
It will be interesting to see if this comes up tonight in the Republican debate and if they pander to the base. Thompson helped hold fundraisers for Libby’s defense and that should backfire, as how much campaigning will his much younger, tramp-dressing wife do. Blowhard Chris Matthews thinks nothing of sniffing in the Clinton’s underpants, will the Republican band of wife swappers receive the same kind of coverage? It begins to feel more confident that there will be a Democrat in the White House 2009.
6-8 wks to surrender according to msnbc
We’re going to need a new terror alert before before 5pm! Can’t let this be the top story on network news tonight!
Ken @ 38
A Bin Ladin tape would work too.
Or we could start winning in Iraq.
There is more testimony on the US attorney’s firing. A major terror alert will be issued tomorrow morning, as if the JFK airport looks like the 3 Stooges.
Doesn’t look like many (any) live issues to appeal. So long, Libby.
Probably won’t spend a day in jail if he’s out until appeals are through. Just look how long it took to schedule this trial and how long until the sentencing. Being out on bail and court scheduling will allow all the leeway Libby needs until Bush pardons him on his way out of the WH. The fine won’t be an issue for Libby at all. Bet the money’s already waiting in the fund.
Oh, I’m sure this is going to go over REALLY well with Walton…. “your honor, my client deserves bail because you did too thorough a job in blocking a successful appeal on the question of memory experts.”
Would you do eighty percent of thirty months in federal prison if you were guaranteed a multi-million dollar book deal and lecture tour upon release?
A fellow I know who went to Federal Prison (and State Prison) in the 1980’s told me that Fed Prison has good food, soft-serve ice cream, neatly manicured lawns and topiary, excellent library, gymnasium. It is the best prison if one must be in prison. The only negative that contrasts with State Prison: Fed Prison has smaller sleeping quarters/personal space. It might be improved now. Scooter may be reminded of prep school or college days. (That is, if he ever sees a day of it.)
Jane, Christy, and Marcy–thank you once again for setting the standard and the bar (any puns intended) yet higher for the coverage of such important events. I will also send thank yous to all the regular and irregular providers of comments. The level of discourse is usually refreshing and informative. To those who are disappointed at this outcome and think it shows the system of justice is flawed because the punishment is not more severe, I would urge all to take heart at what Fitzgerald managed to accomplish against the odds and to admire his and his team’s professionalism and patience.
two new threads
latest
BPLariat @35 – I think Schuster is on his honeymoon.
Oklahoma kiddo @ 24
So if I embezzle $100,000 from my employer, I get to hang out free as a bird for 3 years while my appeals are in progress?
I am really nice and would never embezzle again.
Ummm, what about the part of being CONVICTED of a felony? The rich and connected pay no price in this f’d up society. I am sick of it.
Four terror suspect turns himself in! CNN and MSNBC have already moved on. More crazies being rounded up. I wonder if this suspect also claims to be JESUS CHRIST! White House says they feel bad for his family, but will make no further comment. I see a possible pardon over the July 4 week. It’s on a Wednesday this year, will it come Friday, June 29th or Friday, July 6th?