The Verdict: Last Call

Tonight's episode of The Verdict had a brief segment on Conrad Black's refusal to take the stand, and the end of the evidentiary part of the trial. The sole guest was Hugh Totten.

There was a relatively short defense, without Conrad Black testifying. His refrainment was expected. There was no reason for Mark Kipnis to take the stand either, so the other two had little reason to do so too. Eddie Greenspan believes that he has impugned the testimony of the key prosecution witnesses, so he focused on the peripheral charges against Mr. Black.

Ms. Todd asked if there will there be a conviction of anyone. Csr. Totten believes so; Mr. Kipnis will walk, but other three “have a tough road ahead of them.” Ms. Todd then brought up the obstruction of justice charge. Csr. Totten thought that Mr. Black's actions during May of 2005 did look suspicious. He added that the defense did little to challenge the buyers who testified for the prosecution that they didn’t ask for non-compete agreements with Hollinger Inc. or with any individuals (but instead went along with them.)

When asked by Ms. Todd if there was a parallel between Conrad Black and Martha Stewart, who got convicted largely because she didn't testify in her own defense, Csr. Totten replied that the jurors did hear the tapes of Conrad Black, showing him in a less-than-impressive light.