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Renzi Lawyers Signal Constitutional Challenge to Charges
Embattled Rep. Rick Renzi , R-Ariz., has asked a federal judge in Arizona to delay his scheduled April 29 trial on conspiracy, fraud, extortion and money laundering charges stemming from a land-swap deal.Prosecutors will not oppose the Arizona lawmaker’s bid to have his trial deemed a “complex case,” which would allow more time to sort out motions, discovery and other pre-trial issues.
Renzi’s lawyers also said that because he is a sitting congressman who faces allegations related to his legislative activities, they would raise the issue of legislative privilege afforded by the Constitution’s Speech or Debate clause.
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Comments (4)
Indeed, all Congress should be protected from investigations or prosecution when they commit crimes while Congress is in session. That's why they went to all the trouble to be elected!
March 27, 2008 5:00 PM | Reply | Permalink
These Republicans (aka Criminals) always want to thumb their nose to the law.
March 27, 2008 5:11 PM | Reply | Permalink
This is circular:
The purpose of the charges: Allegations the Congressman's activities were unrelated to official, lawful activity. Question turns on whether this claim by counsel is or isn't frivolous.
March 27, 2008 5:46 PM | Reply | Permalink
Conspiracy, fraud, extortion and money laundering = the Constitution’s Speech or Debate clause.
Yeah, right. Got it.
March 28, 2008 8:29 AM | Reply | Permalink