(CN) - A federal judge in Chicago refused to give Rod Blagojevich's attorneys an early look at some evidence in the former governor's corruption case. U.S. District Judge James B. Zagel said Blagojevich's attorneys relied on "rhetorical flourishes" rather than legal principles in their request.
Judge Zagel said prosecutors already have turned over much of the evidence they have against Blagojevich, whose attorneys' request was an attempt to figure out the government's trial strategy.
"Defendant has had, and will continue to have, the right to seek particularized discovery of certain documents or materials with respect to specific witnesses, but the blunderbuss demand for everything to be turned over sooner than the law allows is not well made," Zagel wrote.
Blagojevich's attorneys had asked for several documents to be turned over early, including a list of potential witnesses.
Blagojevich is accused of truing to sell the U.S. Senate seat vacated by President Barack Obama. He was impeached and removed as governor in January 2009.
Follow @@joeharris_stl
Subscribe to Closing Arguments
Sign up for new weekly newsletter Closing Arguments to get the latest about ongoing trials, major litigation and hot cases and rulings in courthouses around the U.S. and the world.
Additional Reads
-
Federal judge rules against Texas in border barrier lawsuit against DHS November 30, 2023
-
-
FTC vs Facebook November 27, 2023 -
