Madigan Trial: Deliberations Reach 55+ Hours
Jurors Return for 9th Day of Deliberations, Still No Verdict
Jurors in the federal corruption trial of former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan and longtime political associate Michael McClain returned Monday for their ninth day of deliberations, but still have not returned a verdict.
What We Know:
On Friday, jurors submitted a note asking for clarification on their instructions as they worked through nearly two dozen felony counts against the man who was once the state’s most powerful politician.
In addition to requesting two more binders of audio transcripts, jurors also wanted guidance on whether “bona fide salary” is considered something of value. Attorneys for both sides debated whether the jurors should determine that for themselves before Judge Edmond Chang decided it was a fair question.
Defense Files Motion on Monday
Clarification Requested on Jury Instruction
Early Monday, attorneys for Madigan and McClain filed a motion requesting that the court provide jurors with further clarification on their question, emphasizing that the burden of proof lies with the government, not the defense.
“For purposes of evaluating a ‘thing of value’, ‘valuable thing’, or ‘something of value’, the government must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant knew the salary at issue was not bona fide or wages paid in the usual course of business,” the motion read.
Federal Prosecutors Respond to Defense’s Motion
Federal prosecutors responded to the defense’s motion on Monday afternoon, writing that it would be “improper” to provide the jury with additional elements or instructions.
They argued in their written response:
“The crafting of the instructions in this case was not the product of some off-the-cuff one-hour instruction conference; on the contrary, the submissions on the jury instructions were an exhaustive months-long affair.”
The Backstory:
The jury in this landmark case was seated in mid-October. Jurors have been meticulously sifting through evidence presented during the nearly four-month-long trial.
They’ve heard testimony from more than 60 witnesses and listened to dozens of wiretap recordings in court.
They have also been provided with a laptop to access key files as they work through the 23 counts against Madigan and six counts against McClain. Their jury instructions, alone, amount to more than 100 pages.
What’s Next:
The jury deliberated until 4:30 p.m. on Monday and will return to the courthouse at 9 a.m. Tuesday to continue discussing the case.
If convicted, Madigan, 82, and McClain, 77, could face significant prison time, though their ages may play a role in sentencing considerations.
Conclusion:
The trial has been ongoing for nearly four months, with jurors deliberating for over 55 hours. The jury still has not returned a verdict, and it is unclear when or if they will reach a decision. The trial has been closely watched, with many following the case to see if Madigan and McClain will be held accountable for their alleged actions.
FAQs:
Q: How long have the jurors been deliberating?
A: The jurors have been deliberating for over 55 hours.
Q: How many counts are Madigan and McClain facing?
A: Madigan is facing 23 counts, and McClain is facing six counts.
Q: If convicted, what could Madigan and McClain face in terms of sentencing?
A: If convicted, Madigan and McClain could face significant prison time, though their ages may play a role in sentencing considerations.
