Bin Laden's driver sentenced to 5 1/2 years Aug 8, 2008
"Take one second to think of the victims of Mr. Hamdan's support of terrorism," Murphy said in a closing argument that cast Hamdan as a committed extremist and included graphic images of terrorist attacks ... "One of the things that makes us unique is we don't sentence based on passion; we sentence based on law," Swift said in his closing argument in the sentencing phase of the trial. (Boston Globe)
Tucson mother convicted in boy's death Aug 6, 2008
Jensvold told jurors in his closing argument that Marsh probably snapped because she wasn't taking her medications for depression and wasn't giving Brandon his, which caused him to be more hyperactive than usual. Jensvold discounted testimony by Marsh regarding Marsh's fear of a murderous satanic cult that was supposedly after her and her son. (FOX 11, AZ)
Jurors to resume deliberations at Gitmo Aug 5, 2008
In closing arguments Monday, prosecutors said Hamdan's service to the al-Qaida chief over five years in Afghanistan helped his boss execute terrorist plots including the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks on New York and Washington ... Brian Mizer, said in his closing argument that Hamdan offered to provide "critical details" under an undisclosed arrangement described in secret testimony Thursday. (Mattoon Journal-Gazette, IL)
Bin Laden driver trial jury out Aug 5, 2008
In closing arguments, the prosecution said he played a "vital role" in the conspiracy behind the 9/11 attacks ... In its closing argument, the prosecution described Mr Hamdan as a loyal supporter of Osama Bin Laden, who protected the al-Qaeda leader knowing his goals included killing Americans. (BBC News)
Jury out on Osama driver Aug 5, 2008
In its closing argument, the prosecution described Hamdan as a facilitator of al-Qaeda and an enthusiastic Bin Laden supporter ... The closing arguments came after two weeks of evidence, including a series of prosecution witnesses mostly FBI investigators who testified that Hamdan co-operated extensively with al-Qaeda. (iAfrica.com)
Porter case with jurors Aug 2, 2008
FRIDAY'S ACTION: Defense attorney Kirk McAllister delivered his closing argument; Deputy District Attorney John R. Mayne gave a rebuttal; jurors began their deliberations ... As he delivered a closing argument in Stanislaus County Superior Court, a defense attorney said an agricultural museum at the center of a high-profile murder trial was a work in progress that evolved, then stalled, even though former pastor Howard "Doug" Porter gave it all he had ... In his closing argument Thursday, Mayne... (Modesto Bee, CA)
Prosecutor calls Porter a con man, murderer Aug 1, 2008
As he delivered his closing argument in a high-profile murder trial Thursday in Stanislaus County Superior Court, a prosecutor showed three photos of elderly rancher Frank Craig and warned jurors to discount anything former pastor Howard "Doug" Porter said when he testified. The first photo showed a smiling man in a straw hat who had entrusted his fortune to Porter, because Porter promised his church would help build a museum to commemorate the way things used to be in Hickman. (Modesto Bee, CA)
2 guilty in McKeesport woman's rape Aug 1, 2008
In her closing argument, Assistant District Attorney Jennifer DiGiovanni said, "There is nothing consensual about what happened in that house that night.". Daniel Malloy can be reached at or 412-263-1731. (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, PA)
Hazelwood man guilty of raping 3 young girls Aug 1, 2008
In his closing argument, prosecutor Chris Hoffman compared Frank Pruitt, accused of raping three girls as young as 7, to a convenience store. Instead of food deliveries, Mr. Pruitt received young girls. (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, PA)
Ruling in NC's pollution lawsuit is weeks away Jul 31, 2008
James Gulick, senior deputy attorney general, said in his closing argument that history shows the utility invests in emissions control technology only when forced by government rules or court orders. TVA lawyer Frank Lancaster asked Thornburg to dismiss the lawsuit, saying the state hadn't provided evidence to support it. (The Daily Reflector)
It's time to flee the heat... Jul 26, 2008
It's time to flee the heat. An Atlanta blog with a little bit of opinion about a lot of things. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Opinion)
Aloha man who killed pit bull with sword & machete aquitted Jul 26, 2008
"A dog died for nothing," Brant said, her voice rising during her closing argument. Ramirez "knew his dog wasn't being killed and instead he did this," she continued, smacking the table with the machete. (KGW Northwest NewsChannel 8, OR)
Accomplice on trial for deaths of friends Jul 25, 2008
These dueling portraits of Renato Hughes emerged Thursday during closing arguments in his murder trial, which began more than a month ago in a Martinez courtroom ... Hanlon managed to get Nazi Germany, the witch hunts of the McCarthy era, the movie "Home Alone" and the lynchings of black people in the South into a wide-ranging closing argument that lasted more than three hours. (San Francisco Chronicle -- Crime)
Two found guilty of torturing witness Jul 25, 2008
Assistant District Attorney Dan Lynch ended his closing argument by playing a tape of Green calling 911 as he ran to a gas station. Both Greene and Roberts were convicted of assault and witness tampering. (Albany Times Union)
Jury deadlocks in off-duty cop assault case Jul 24, 2008
During her closing argument, Crawford pointed out that Montgomery was the only person who testified seeing Cutrell's gun during the altercation. Other witnesses told the court Cutrell had his hands raised above his waist before being struck. (Casper Star-Tribune, WY)
Edgewater man guilty of murder Jul 22, 2008
"Make no mistake," prosecutor Matt Foxman told jurors in his closing argument ... During closing arguments Monday, Bradshaw rocked back and forth in his chair, sometimes dropping his eyes beneath his wire-framed eyeglasses. (Daytona Beach News Journal)
Zajac found guilty of cutting road Jul 7, 2008
Much of Stokes' closing argument was conveying to the jury that North Dakota Century Code 24-12-01, Injury to highways, does not allow for any exceptions. It clearly states it is unlawful to cut a road without proper permission and Stokes said testimony indicated that Zajac did not have that. (Wahpeton Daily News, ND)
Retrial in Daytona murder ends with hung jury Jul 3, 2008
"To this defendant, Ogard Smith was a snitch, and he was a snitch who deserved to die because he came to a court of law and testified against his homeboy," Davis said in his closing argument ... "Remember, the state has the burden in this case," Dees told the jury in his closing argument. (Daytona Beach News Journal)
Teen says he killed clerk in Mt. Oliver Jul 3, 2008
Co-defense counsel Veronica Brestensky, of the Office of Conflict Counsel, told Common Pleas Judge Jeffrey A. Manning in her closing argument: "I don't think I need to explain to the court how unusual a situation we all just witnessed: A defendant confessing to the crime he's charged with ... [He] takes the stand and says, 'I did it. I wish I could take it all back.' ". She asked that the judge show mercy on Mr. Hancock, who was 16 at the time of the robbery, because he eventually turned himself... (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, PA)
Victim's Relatives Lash Out At Her Killer Jul 2, 2008
Stefanson's attorney, Ted Berry, said in his closing argument that prosecutors had proved nothing beyond a reasonable doubt except for a charge that his client illegally possessed a firearm. Police have said two Oakland homes used by Stefanson reminded them of the setting in "The Silence of the Lambs," the 1991 movie in which a psychopathic serial killer imprisons and skins his victims. (San Francisco Chronicle -- Crime)
The fading line between free speech and libel Jul 2, 2008
4-million in damages to an Ontario quarry owner after Mr. Porter pled, wept and rasped in a dramatic closing argument that his client deserved to "die with his name cleared of this infamy." (The damages were later reduced on appeal. . (Globe and Mail -- Technology)
Bedford jury gets murder case Jun 29, 2008
His eyes wide and his voice shrill, Mr. Clark stood and loudly interrupted his own attorney's closing argument to the jury. As the seven men and five women on the jury stared in confusion, Mr. Clark ranted about getting a passage he had written in a letter put into the trial record. (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, PA)
Ex-Fresno lawyer's trial set to go to jurors today Jun 27, 2008
"This poor man was mentally ill," J. Tony Serra said during his closing arguments in Fresno County Superior Court ... Dozens of defense attorneys, prosecutors and at least one judge crammed into the courtroom audience Thursday to watch Serra's nearly three-hour closing argument. (Fresno Bee -- Local)
TELLING THE TRUTH? Jun 25, 2008
"We have two people with all the motive in the world to lie," defense attorney Scott Finckenauer said during his closing argument, referring to the state's key witnesses. One of the witnesses was Richard Salcedo, Shannon's alleged getaway driver, who has pleaded guilty to armed robbery and faces up to 20 years in prison in a deal with prosecutors to drop a felony murder charge in exchange for his testimony against Shannon. (NJ.com)
Conviction in Curious George murder Jun 25, 2008
In closing arguments, Slater told the jury that Puglisi was guilty of first-degree murder if Shalleck's slaying was premeditated, or if he was a principal to the killing while committing another crime ... He spent much of his closing argument playing portions of a tape recorded statement that Puglisi made to investigators in which he made Slater's points for him. (The Palm Beach Post)
Defense argues that LA rail disaster wasn't murder Jun 24, 2008
Speaking in the voice of his client, a defense attorney Monday delivered a closing argument in which a murder defendant admitted to jurors that he caused a deadly commuter rail disaster, but insisted he never intended to kill anyone but himself. "My name is Juan Alvarez. I caused an accident that killed a lot of people," began attorney Thomas Kielty. (San Francisco Chronicle -- Crime)
Defense claims murder-suicide in Briton's trial Jun 24, 2008
But a prosecutor said in his closing argument that Neil Entwistle killed his wife and daughter because he was dissatisfied with his sex life, despondent about not being able to find a job and wanted to start a new life. Entwistle, 29, is charged with fatally shooting his wife, Rachel, 27, and daughter, Lillian Rose, in their Boston-area home in January 2006. (MSNBC -- Crime)
Jury hears closings in murder-for-hire case Jun 24, 2008
In his closing argument yesterday morning, James Brescia's attorney painted a portrait of a devoted father who wanted to send a message to his estranged wife's boyfriend, and had no idea paying $1,000 to a convicted murderer would lead to Ed Schiller's death ... After 13 days of testimony from 70 witnesses, yesterday's closing arguments in Middlesex Superior Court brought more than 40 spectators and elicited subdued but emotional reactions from Schiller's friends and family. (Newton Tab, MA)
The verdict: Candidates nearly even in key trials Jun 22, 2008
In the first murder case against former USS Stark sailor Walter Taylor in 1991, Corey and her co-counsel were criticized by the 1st District Court of Appeal for "prosecutorial misconduct" including: mocking Taylor's insanity defense as a "copout," asking improper questions to circumvent the judge's ruling about inadmissible evidence and striking a table with the murder weapon during closing arguments ... Plotkin had two cases reversed, one in which the Florida Supreme Court criticized him and... (Florida Times-Union)
Jury: Ex-deputy didn't rob drug dealer Jun 21, 2008
Graziano said in her closing argument that Walton never obtained information from the police database and never agreed to any compensation for the crime. After the verdict, Graziano said Walton, who was fired in September, should be given his job back. (Daytona Beach News Journal)
Man guilty in club murder Jun 21, 2008
In her closing argument, Case reiterated that Mosqueda didn't deserve to die. "Mario Mosqueda was a homosexual," she said. (Daytona Beach News Journal)
Molestation trial likely to reach jury Monday Jun 21, 2008
Advertisement A photo of a Pioneer Valley High School teacher was a point of contention during closing arguments Friday in the trial of Michael Cardoza, who is charged with molesting a 16-year-old boy who was his student ... The attorneys gave their closing arguments Friday, and the jury was set to return to Santa Barbara County Superior Court in Santa Maria Monday morning, at which time more jury instructions will presumably be given by Judge Edward Bullard before jurors begin deliberations ...... (Santa Maria Times)
Defense Begins Closing Arguments In Metrolink Crash Trial Jun 20, 2008
In his closing argument, Kielty emphasized his client's turbulent life ... Closing arguments will continue on Monday. (NBC4.tv, CA)
Jury deliberations to continue Tuesday in Pelo trial Jun 17, 2008
In closing arguments to the jury on Monday, a prosecutor said Pelo is an evil man who was unable to stop himself from stalking and sexually assaulting women ... Chief Felony Prosecutor Mark Messman said in a closing argument lasting 75 minutes that he could not offer an explanation for the crimes he believes Pelo committed. (The Pantagraph newspaper)
Wider perspective on life Jun 16, 2008
I didn't think it was a good idea," she says.But Jim Wagoner was convinced she should have the experience of raising a healthy child as well as Colby. "I knew it was going to be OK. We'd talked it over," he says, pointing upward to indicate he is a praying man.Wendy says his argument for another child was the best closing argument he ever gave."She was third in her class in law school. My wife is very, very smart. (Fresno Bee -- Local)
Gang member, 23, convicted in 2007 stabbing death of a rival Jun 15, 2008
"Mr. Gonzalez is an alcoholic, he drank quite much" in the hours leading to the stabbing, Deguc said Friday in his closing argument ... One gang member testified that Gonzalez said, "Let's do it, let's go," and "They started it and we're going to end it," Bletko said in his closing argument. (OregonLive, OR -- News)
Couple Convicted In Fatal Stabbing Of Musician Jun 14, 2008
"Both of them murdered Mr. Poole on Mother's Day, May 13th, over the word [expletive,] and that's wrong," Dickman told jurors in his closing argument. "Hold them accountable.". (NBC4.tv, CA)
For Attorney-Author, Writing and Law Go Hand in Hand Jun 12, 2008
The final chapter in a novel, similar to a closing argument, is where the truth is revealed, said Harp ... The same concept applies to a lawyer delivering a closing argument. (Law.com)
Man Found Guilty Of Torturing, Starving Family Members Jun 12, 2008
In her closing argument, Baldwin told the jury that the defendant played "mind games" to keep the children off-balance psychologically so that they would not turn against him. AP Photo/The Californian, David CarlsonJune 2, 2008: Mansa Musa Muhummed reacts on the witness stand after his attorney brought out a boat oar he is accused of using to beat his children. (NBC4.tv, CA)
A Voyage Round John Mortimer Jun 12, 2008
If nearly "every opinion he held came from his father," Grove points out a crucial difference between the two Mortimers: "Clifford regarded the law as enjoyable, like the Times crossword. To John, the law was essentially 'a sort of maze through which a client must be led to safety."' Wearying of divorce and probate, the younger Mortimer resolved to practice the law "more interestingly." He rose to the free-speech defense of all things rude and raunchy, pleading for unfettered distribution of... (International Herald Tribune -- Arts)
Riverside: Polygamist found guilty in torture trial Jun 12, 2008
In her closing argument, Deputy District Attorney Julie Baldwin told the jury that the defendant played mind games to keep the children off-balance psychologically so that they would not turn against him. They in a way could not trust each other, Baldwin said. (San Diego Union-Tribune)
Beware ‘slippery slope' to censorship, hearing told Jun 8, 2008
Closing arguments were made Friday before B.C.'s Human Rights Tribunal, which heard a complaint filed by Canadian Islamic Congress national president Mohamed Elmasry and B.C. director Naiyer Habib over an article that appeared in Maclean's in October, 2006 ... Claimant lawyer Faisal Joseph argued during his closing argument that there is demonstrable evidence of hatred by this article. (Globe and Mail)
Man awaits verdict in basement slaying case Jun 7, 2008
In closing arguments yesterday, defense lawyer Shannon Frison told jurors that prosecutors had not proved that Calvin Carnes Jr., 21, was at the scene of the crime, 43 Bourneside Street, on the night of the Dec. 13, 2005, slayings. "The government has simply not proved beyond any reasonable doubt that Mr. Carnes was in the basement," Frison said in her closing argument. (Boston Globe)
Jury begins deliberations in Moss murder trial Jun 6, 2008
Scott Brown, of the Iowa Attorney General's office, made the state's closing argument, saying that with or without the testimony of co-defendant Daniel Blair, the evidence still showed Moss is guilty of first-degree murder ... Steve Nalean presented the defense's closing arguments, which focused largely on the credibility of Blair as a witness and the efficiency of police charged with investigating the crime. (Ames Daily Tribune, IA)
Judge to hand down O'Donnell verdict Thursday Jun 5, 2008
Furber, after listening to almost three hours of closing arguments by the defense and prosecution Tuesday, said he will review the testimony and evidence in O'Donnell's five-day trial and hand down his verdict Thursday ... "Mr. O'Donnell is a completely normal human being when not under the influence of drugs," Egan told the judge in his closing argument. (Springfield Sun, PA)
MILITARY: Haditha Marine acquitted Jun 5, 2008
"Lieutenant Grayson is not some victim of a botched investigation (brought) by media pressure. He's a liar," Atterbury said in his hour-long closing argument of Grayson's trial ... But that motive to lie simply did not exist, Grayson's civilian attorney, Joseph Casas, countered during his closing argument. (North County Times)
Clinton makes final argument after Puerto Rico win Jun 2, 2008
Clinton makes closing argument after Puerto Rico win - USATODAY.com ... Clinton makes closing argument after Puerto Rico win ... Clinton's closing arguments came during what could be the waning days of her campaign, despite her big win Sunday in the Puerto Rico primary. (USA Today)
Arguments to be heard in bribery case Jun 2, 2008
Another issue the court may have to address are comments by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Wheat to the jury during the closing argument. Wheat invoked the Black Sox baseball gambling scandal of 1919 and the famous plea from a fan to ballplayer Shoeless Joe Jackson to say it ain't so. (San Diego Union-Tribune)
State wants big NH prison guard lawsuit award overturned Jun 1, 2008
The state said improper evidence was presented to jurors and that the guards' lawyer, C. Kevin Leonard, made inappropriate remarks in his closing argument. This case dates to a 2005 assault of a state prison inmate that led to Hallam and Laramie being fired. (Concord Monitor)
Man guilty of killing toddler May 31, 2008
Your Connection to the. Web Search powered by YAHOO. (Athens Banner-Herald)
Delegate fight draws Clinton loyalists May 29, 2008
Clinton also wants the popular votes in Florida and Michigan to count to give her the overall lead - a key part of her closing argument to the dwindling number of undeclared superdelegates, the party and elected officials who in all likelihood will decide the nomination. She sent them a letter and accompanying 11-page memo yesterday, insisting that she, not Obama, would be the strongest Democrat to go up against McCain in November. (Boston Globe)
Attorneys have final say in wind farm debate May 29, 2008
PEKIN The Tazewell County Zoning Board of Appeals gathered Tuesday night to hear closing arguments from lawyers arguing for and against the creation of a wind power plant near Delavan ... He began his closing argument by reminding the ZBA that the Tazewell County Board approved of wind power plants in Tazewell when they created an ordinance for the power generating structures. (Pekin Times, IL)
Prosecution: Graham case 'simple' May 28, 2008
Closing arguments begin in Graham trial - More Sports - SI.com ... SAN FRANCISCO (AP) -- Track coach Trevor Graham orchestrated a doping scheme for his elite track athletes and lied to federal investigators about his role in it, the prosecution said in closing arguments of Graham's trial on Tuesday ... The defense was set to make its closing argument later Tuesday. (SportsIllustrated.CNN -- More)
Prosecution: Case against Graham 'simple' May 28, 2008
Advertisements The Associated Press SAN FRANCISCO - Track coach Trevor Graham orchestrated a doping scheme for his elite track athletes and lied to federal investigators about his role in it, the prosecution said in closing arguments of Graham's trial on Tuesday ... "If federal agents come to speak to you and you speak to them, there's only one rule: You tell them the truth. ... Throughout the interview, he was not truthful with the agents."The defense was set to make its closing argument later... (News & Observer -- Sports)
Jury begins deliberations in Graham case May 28, 2008
"This is a very simple and straightforward case," assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey Finigan told the jury in his closing argument. "When federal agents come to speak with you, if you choose to speak with them, you tell them the truth," Finigan said. (International Herald Tribune)
Judge upholds George's murder conviction May 24, 2008
He said George deserves a new trial because of issues with evidence and Kaplan's closing argument. During closing arguments, Marlinga said Kaplan constructed a jigsaw puzzle as he put together his argument ... He said that during his closing arguments, Marlinga made a motion for a mistrial, but the judge denied the request. (Somerset Daily American, PA)
Accused White House Cafe shooter found not guilty May 24, 2008
Assistant District Attorney William Finnegan said in a closing argument, accusations Fannick made that Vinson s acquaintance Alberto Mellon may have committed the shooting are unfounded and indicative of a pattern of lies Vinson has told since the shooting. From the time Waymon Higgins was shot, to the time Tawanda Maddox was shot, to this day, the defendant has essentially spun a web of lies and deceit, Finnegan said in his closing argument ... In his closing argument, Fannick said Mellon had... (The Citizen's Voice, PA)
Lawyer for ex-Wing Konstantinov asks jury for $300M in damages May 24, 2008
Richard Goodman asked Friday in his closing argument for $75 million to $100 million each for pain and suffering for Konstantinov and Sergei Mnatsakanov in the suburban Detroit crash. Goodman also asked for lost wages of $88. (USA Today -- Sports)
Jury convicts Marcoux of drug induced homicide; appeals are already planned May 24, 2008
Webb began his 22-minute closing argument Thursday by telling the jury, "Remember why we're here," as a photograph of Bye, perhaps a school photo, appeared on the display screen at the White County Courthouse ... Heid began his 28-miniute closing argument by saying, "I think Mr. Webb has already told you everything I'm going to say." Heid called the loss of an 18-year-old tragic and said the tragedy was compounded because it involved the use of drugs. (Carmi Times, IL)
Commeret case with jury May 23, 2008
Defense attorney Jay Carney and prosecutor Kim Faitella made their closing argument shortly after 9 a.m. Thursday. Judge Ellen Flatley then gave the jury instructions and one of the seven jurors who listened to the evidence, a woman, was chosen as the alternate, meaning she would not participate in deliberations. (Marblehead Reporter, MA)
Man found guilty in woman's death May 23, 2008
"When you put a gun to someone's head ... there's no accident involved in any way, shape or form," District Attorney Ashley Wright told the jury in her closing argument. In his account of what happened that night, Mr. Jones said he was only trying to console a crying woman by hugging her and pulling the trigger on the handgun to prove it was empty. (The Augusta Chronicle)
Crown closes arguments against accused Edm. prostitute-killer May 23, 2008
In a five-hour closing argument, lead prosecutor Ashley Finlayson weaved together hundreds of factual threads to make the circumstantial case against the 40-year-old mechanic, charged with killing two prostitutes: Innes, 36, and Quinney, 19 ... "He couldn't keep his story straight about finding Rachel Quinney's body, which shows his reasons for being there were a lie, Finlayson argued. "He goes there knowing that the body is there, and has orchestrated this so he can show the body to Shannon... (Canada.com)
Pitt County jury to decide Hill's fate this morning May 23, 2008
Each lawyer presented a closing argument before the jury received instructions from Hardin. Stroud spoke first, reminding jurors not to trust witnesses who would sell out an innocent man in hopes of getting lighter sentences. (The Daily Reflector)
Jury convicts Hollywood private eye Pellicano May 17, 2008
Pellicano alone is responsibleDuring his closing argument, Pellicano insisted he shared no information with colleagues and said he alone was responsible for the investigations, although he didnt elaborate. Throughout the trial, prosecutors portrayed Pellicano as a well-connected thug who ran a lucrative business by charging clients a nonrefundable retainer fee that started at $25,000. (MSNBC -- News)
Daly City man convicted of killing wife May 16, 2008
Quincy Norton's attorney, Patricia Fox, argued the case was a "a classic example of a rush to judgment." Fox suggested in her closing argument that another woman had been involved in the killing, noting that her DNA had been found in the home on a knife that was not the murder weapon. Fox said she planned to appeal Thursday's verdict. (San Francisco Chronicle -- Crime)
