US judge refuses to dismiss Moussaoui trial

Posted on March 14, 2006

A US judge declined to dismiss the death penalty trial of September 11 plotter Zacarias Moussaoui, but dealt a huge blow to the prosecution by throwing out key evidence.

US District Judge Leonie Brinkema said the case could continue but dealt a stinging rebuke to the government, saying “I don’t think in the annals of criminal law there has ever been a case with as many significant problems.”

Brinkema’s ruling came after a controversy over apparent witness coaching by a government lawyer which the defense said prejudiced Moussaoui’s chances of a fair trial.

She struck out all testimony from witnesses having to do with aviation issues, which the prosecution had said made up half of its case against Moussaoui.

Mixed news if you ask me. Coaching the witnesses was major stupidity, and caused the potential of this scumbucket getting the death penalty like he deserves. The screw up may still potentially damage the case against him since this throws out part of the evidence and witness against him. However, at least there is still a chance this scum will get what he deserves. This had to be a difficult call for the judge. I think it was a good one.