The Verdict: Too Much?

There was one segment of tonight's episode of The Verdict that dealt with the Conrad Black trial, which started off with Ms. Todd noting that David Radler looked “serious” when he left the courtroom. Then the two guests, law professor Leonard Cavise and former prosecutor Ted Chung, were introduced. They both were asked about Eddie Greenspan’s cross-examination of Mr. Radler.

Prof. Cavise ventured that the strategy is fine; Mr. Radler was shown to be at least a “weasel.” Csr. Greenspan’s tactics, though, are not very good with respect to the jury. He’s dragging it out too long, especially with regard to two lines of questioning. Csr. Chung agreed with Prof. Cavise regarding the strategy, and added that Csr. Greenspan may be going overboard with the cross – he’s too repetitive, to the point of “diminishing returns.” Prof. Cavise had a blunt assessment of the dragging out of Radler’s lying: he called it “junk.” He wondered why the government isn’t objecting to the drag-out. Csr. Chung said that the prosecution may rather like the way the cross-examination is going so far.

When Ms. Todd (in her careful manner) brought up the subject of Csr. Greenspan’s aggressive cross-examination of former Gov. Thompson backfiring because of his repute, Prof. Cavise replied that it’s hard to say whether or not going after Mr. Thompson so aggressively was a plus. He did stipulate that Csr. Greenspan was successful in terms of defense, although his “street fighter” style doesn’t seem to be working now. Csr. Chung noted that the jurors may not remember Thompson as a hero. He is well-known, but not necessarily by the juror pool.

Before the segment ended, Ms. Todd asked, what about Edward Genson? Why is he just sitting on his hands? Prof. Cavise replied that Csr. Genson is doing so very reluctantly. He also supplied an example of how a “good Chicago cross” cuts to the chase.

Csr. Chung, when asked if Eddie Greenspan would let Edward Genson take over the cross-examination, responded with a flat “no”. Not only is it highly unconventional, but also it would require permission from the judge.