Mike Madigan Trial: Defense Wraps Closing Arguments, Government to Rebuttal on Wednesday
Closing Arguments Continue in High-Profile Federal Corruption Trial
The defense maintained that while lobbying and politics might seem unappealing, they are not inherently illegal.
Closing arguments continued Tuesday in the high-profile federal corruption trial of former Illinois House Speaker Mike Madigan and his close ally, Michael McClain.
What We Know:
The trial, which began in mid-October, centers on allegations of bribery, extortion, and racketeering involving Madigan’s influence over state politics.
Closing Arguments
Michael McClain’s attorney, Patrick Cotter, concluded his closing arguments by challenging the prosecution’s evidence and urging jurors to avoid assumptions.
Cotter highlighted inconsistencies in testimony from the government’s star witness, former Chicago Alderman Danny Solis, and warned jurors against conflating coincidental events with causation.
“Two things happening at the same time does not mean one caused the other,” Cotter said.
Cotter used a metaphor to illustrate his point, comparing the case to a schoolboy named Johnny who gives his teacher an apple and later earns an ‘A’ on a test. Cotter asked did he get the grade because of the apple, or did he study for the test?
Cotter urged jurors to examine the evidence critically.
What’s Next:
On Wednesday, the jury will hear the government’s rebuttal before beginning deliberations.
The jury will deliberate on 23 counts, ranging from racketeering to bribery, with potential implications for how Illinois politics operates moving forward.
Conclusion
The defense has wrapped up its closing arguments, and the government will now have the opportunity to rebut the defense’s claims. The jury will deliberate on the 23 counts, and the outcome of the trial will have significant implications for Illinois politics.
FAQs
* What is the Mike Madigan trial about?
+ The trial centers on allegations of bribery, extortion, and racketeering involving Madigan’s influence over state politics.
* Who is Michael McClain?
+ Michael McClain is a close ally of former Illinois House Speaker Mike Madigan and is being tried alongside him.
* What are the charges against Mike Madigan and Michael McClain?
+ The charges include 23 counts ranging from racketeering to bribery.
* What is the significance of the trial?
+ The outcome of the trial will have significant implications for how Illinois politics operates moving forward.
