A Dark Day for Conrad Black

Conrad Black has been found guilty on the obstruction of justice charge which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and penalty $250 000. He has also been found guilty on three counts of mail fraud. each carry a five year maximum. On the racketeering charge, Black was found not guilty, a charge that was created to punish mobsters in organized crime and was no big surprise that it was dismissed.The other three co-defendants were mostly charged on counts of mail fraud.
At sentencing, Black faces a max of 35 years in jail. The jury went over this case with a fine-tooth comb, therefore, the Defense has few ways in which it can argue an appeal.
The jury was unanimous, therefore it will be will be harder for Eddie Greenspan, Conrad's lawyer, an appeal. However, since charges of mail fraud was inconsistent between Black and the other co-defendants, Black's lawyers will have good ground for an appeal on the lesser charges.
As for the forfeiture of his assets, the judge will decide, not the jury. This is a positive for the Defense as the jury showed that they clearly understood that Black and the other co-defendants knew what they were doing and would more than likely rule that the government take Black's property.
It will be interesting to watch sentencing and on what terms Black's lawyers will raise an appeal.

Bush commutes Libby…maybe Conrad should have gotten an US’ship

Washington is all a buzz about Bush commuting Scooter Libby of his 2 and ½ year prison term for leaking the identity of CIA agent whose husband was critical of US’ war in Iraq.

If a two and a half year prison sentence is too much for ruining a career of a distinguished CIA agent, then the Lord Black’s possible jail term of the rest of his life should be seen as excessive by this President.

Maybe Black should have chosen his desired titles better…maybe instead of a British Lordship of Crossharbour, he should have tried for a US’ship of the Bush Administration.