CourtArtist

COURTARTIST has Moved

2006-10-26T16:55:00.000-04:00

COURTARTIST has moved to COURTARTIST.COM

Congressman Ney Enters Guilty Plea

2006-10-13T17:05:00.000-04:00

Representative Bob Ney (R-Ohio) appeared before U.S. District Judge Ellen Huvelle today to plead guilty to accepting illegal gifts in exchange for favors to lobbyist Jack Abramoff.

Mr Ney announced his intention to plead guilty last month shortly before checking into an alcoholic treatment facility. When asked by the judge about any health problems, Ney replied "Right now, alcohol, last 30 days.”

Rome wasn't sketched in a day

2006-10-04T17:52:00.000-04:00

The U.S. Supreme Court began it's new term this week, but I don't expect a call for my drawings until they hear arguments in a pair of partial-birth abortion cases, Gonzales v Carhart and Gonzales v Planned Parenthood, on November 8.

This gives me time to work on wide shot drawings of the court, which are very time consuming.
I'll fill in the Justices and attorneys on the day of argument, and still have time to do tight shot sketches of the legal wrangling.

Star Witness Testifies at DC Developer's Bribery Trial

2006-10-03T20:33:00.000-04:00

Michael A. Lorusso, the former deputy director of the D.C. Office of Property Management today testified at the trial of his Capitol Grille dinning and drinking buddies.

As part of a sweet plea deal in which he pleaded guilty to taking bribes from defendant Jemal's Douglas Development Corp. Lorusso told the jury about free meals, a trip to Las Vegas, cash and a Rolex given to him in exchange for government contracts and other favors.

Guilty Plea in Rosenbaum Murder

2006-09-20T21:43:00.001-04:00

Michael Hamlin, charged along with his cousin, Percy Jordan, in the murder of New York Times journalist David E. Rosenbaum, pleaded guilty today in D.C. Superior Court.

Rosenbaum was hit in the head with a pipe, reportedly wielded by Percy Jordan, during the course of a mugging. He might have survived the injury if not for a series of mistakes made by emergency medical personnel.

Note: I've been struggling with the drawings lately since my stash of discontinued Staedtler-Mars markers has begun to run out. Adapting to the different feel of my new brand, Tombow, is not easy.

Capitol Gate Crasher

2006-09-20T21:35:00.000-04:00

More than just a gate crasher Carlos Green, high on cocaine and in possession of a derringer, managed to get passed the massive security at the U.S. Capitol and make his way all the way to the basement crypt where he was finally apprehended.

The sordid story grows

2006-08-08T10:10:00.000-04:00

Last week's local DC headline of a Bowie High assistant coach and a student who were in a pimp/prostitute relationship took a new turn over the weekend with the arrest of a U.S. Capitol Police sargent accused of having had sex with the 15 year-old girl and videotaping her in the act at his home.

In the sketch FBI special agent McDermott is questioned by the prosecutor while the accused, Michael Malloy, in blue prison jumpsuit sitting next to his attorney looks on.

From the Police Blotter

2006-08-04T18:12:00.000-04:00

It's the dog days and thankfully things have been quiet. The next trial of the century won't start for awhile. Nevertheless crimes of local interest, mostly murder and sex, keep me busy. This week's docket features violent jealousy (top sketch) and child prostitution (bottom sketch).

Naval Academy sexual assault court-martial

2006-07-11T20:09:00.000-04:00

Annapolis midshipman and star quarterback Lamar Owens watches as his civilian attorney, Reid Weingarten, cross-examines his accuser. Courtartist does not identify alleged victims of sexual assault.

Collin Finnerty

2006-07-10T22:11:00.000-04:00

The Duke lacrosse player charged, along with two other teammates, with rape in Durham, NC today stood trial on an unrelated DC assault charge.

Scott Herndon, one of the victims, testified that Finnerty taunted them with homophobic epithets before the assault.

Near the end of the first day of trial Judge John Bayly said that an item in "something called Wonkette" had been brought to his attention.
The blog reported a sighting of Finnerty at a party, in violation of the judge's order.

No go for Gitmo tribunals

2006-06-29T22:35:00.000-04:00

In it's last opinion of the October 2005 term the Supreme Court put a stop to the Guantanamo Military Commissions trials -usually called "tribunals", but at GTMO that term is reserved for the proceedings where a detainee's status as "enemy combatant" is determined. For an indepth explanation of the court's opinion go here.

The sketch at top shows Justice Stevens delivering the opinion from the bench. In the foreground are Hamdan's two attorneys: Cmdr Charles Swift who represented Hamdan before the Military Commissions, and Neal Katyal who argued his case before the Supreme Court.

The other two sketches are of Hamdan's appearance at the Military Commission in Guantanamo in August 2004.

Court muddies Clean Water

2006-06-19T20:47:00.000-04:00

In a plurality opinion the U.S. Supreme Court today narrowly ruled in favor of two Michigan landowners, John Rapanos and June Carabell, whose attempts to develop wetlands had been restricted by the Clean Water Act.

At issue was whether the act covers channels through which water flows only occasionally, and the definition of words like "navigable", "tributary" and "wetland".

Justice Scalia -on the left in my sketch- delivered an opinion sharply critical of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. He said "the Corps has stretched the term 'waters of the United States' beyond parody." He was joined in his opinion by Chief Justice Roberts and by Justices Thomas and Alito.

Supplying the fifth vote was Justice Kennedy -center figure in sketch- who announced his own opinion from the bench that, while concurring in the judgement suggested that on remand the lower courts may in fact find a connection between these wetlands and navigable waterways that would reaffirm jurisdiction of the Clean Water Act.

Justice Stevens -on the right in sketch- delivered a no longer rare dissent from the bench.

Executive v Legislative

2006-06-16T21:23:00.000-04:00

When, on May 20, FBI agents executed a search warrant on the congressional office of Rep. William J. Jefferson the stage was set for a showdown between two branches of government.

The lawyer for the House of Representatives argued in court today that the search was unconstitutional because it took place in violation of Speech and Debate clause.

The Justice Department attorney replied that the government was not after legislative records, but was collecting evidence of bribery using a "legally executed search warrant".

Judge Thomas Hogan, the same judge who signed the search warrant, did not rule today, but at one point said from the bench that he believed the Speech and Debate clause was not "a hide and conceal clause".

The sketch shows Congressman Jefferson's attorney, Robert Trout, arguing before Judge Hogan.

Where's Jack?

2006-06-12T22:20:00.000-04:00

Closing arguments were made to the jury today in the trial of David Safavian, the former OMB official accused of lying to investigators in the Jack Abramoff lobbying scandal. The trial was expected to draw quite a bit of media attention, but when it became apparent that neither side would be calling Abramoff to the witness stand interest quickly dwindled.

In exchange for free meals and a golf trip to Scotland, prosecutor Nathaniel Edmonds told the jury, Safavian provided Abramoff with inside information on government properties such as the Old Post Office that Abramoff hoped to convert into an hotel.

"Where's Jack?" responded Safavian's attorney, Barbara Van Gelder. "If the government does not call Jack Abramoff they have not met their burden."

Gulfstream to golf

2006-05-30T21:36:00.000-04:00

Neil Volz, former aide to Rep. Bob Ney and partner of Jack Abramoff, recounted a trip aboard a chartered Gulfstream to the legendary St. Andrews golf course in Scotland during his testimony today at the trial of David Safavian, one-time OMB chief procurement officer.

Apart from the price tag -$400 rounds of golf and $100 rounds of drinks- the trip seems to have been unexciting, except maybe for a $200 massage.

Volz, who pleaded guilty to conspiracy earlier this month, has become the star witness in the trial since neither side has called Abramoff to testify.

Muhammad's cross-examination

2006-05-24T19:29:00.000-04:00

Muhammad's tedious and repetitious questioning of Malvo on minute details of little relevance - "Give me the six characteristics of an M-16" - drew frequent objections from prosecutor Katherine Winfree. At one point Muhammad shouted "Your honor, she needs to make her objection and sit down".

Malvo remained calm throughout his testimony, only occasionally showing irritation at Muhammad's niggling examination.

Malvo testifies

2006-05-23T20:11:00.000-04:00

Lee Boyd Malvo appeared as a witness for the prosecution in the the sniper murders trial of John Muhammad, a man he once regarded as a father.

At one point during his testimony he looked directly at Muhammad and said, "You took me into your house and you made me a monster."

Muhammad, acting as his own attorney, began cross-examination of Malvo late in the afternoon. Asked by the judge if he expected to continue much longer Muhammad said he had only just begun. Malvo returns to the stand tomorrow.

John Allen Muhammad

2006-05-10T21:05:00.000-04:00

Sniper John Allen Muhammad is on trial in Rockville for the murders he and Lee Boyd Malvo committed in Montgomery County in October 2002. Both have already been tried and found guilty in Virginia courts.

Malvo is expected to agree to a guilty plea in Maryland and testify for the State, possibly as early as next week.

Muhammad is acting as his own attorney, though assisted by court appointed defense counsel, and is doing his own cross examination of the State's witnesses. It should be interesting when Malvo takes the stand.

It ends

2006-05-05T06:14:00.000-04:00

Moussaoui had his last chance to speak at his formal sentencing and he used it, as usual, to mock, taunt and insult.

To the relatives of victims - seen in the foreground - who had just finished making their statements from the podium directed at him Moussaoui said "You have an amount of hypocrisy beyond any belief. Your humanity is a very selective humanity."

At the conclusion of sentencing Judge Brinkema told Moussaoui "You will never again get a chance to speak, and that is an appropriate and fair ending. This case is now concluded."

Moussaoui verdict at last

2006-05-03T21:00:00.000-04:00

After about forty hours of deliberations the jury could not come to a unanimous decision on death, so the sentence will be life in prison without the possibility of release. Moussaoui will be formally sentenced tomorrow morning at which time he will have his last opportunity to make a statement.

Today there was little reaction in the courtroom from Moussaoui or the spectators, including relatives of victims of 9/11, as the verdict was read.

On his way out Moussaoui exclaimed "America, you lost! Novak (one of the prosecutors) you lost! I won!

Ill juror fails to show up

2006-04-27T17:41:00.000-04:00

Judge Brinkema sent the remaining eleven jurors home after one of them called in sick, said to be suffering from a migraine.

There is a lot of reading of the tea leaves at the courthouse as to how the deliberations are going. Are some of the jurors wearing jeans? no verdict today! The unconfirmed migraine is sure to add to the speculation.

The juror is feeling better now and deliberations will resume tomorrow morning.

Closing arguments in Moussaoui death penalty

2006-04-24T19:55:00.000-04:00

Assistant U.S. Attorney David Raskin led the government's closing argument in the final phase of the trial where the jury will decide whether to recommend the death penalty for Zacarias Moussaoui.

Moussaoui mocks his court appointed attorneys as they attempt to spare his life. Defense attorney Gerald Zerkin showed a picture on a TV screen of Moussaoui's one time hero, Rev. Martin Luther King, and then his current hero, Bin Laden at which Moussaoui made a V for victory sign.

Hu heckler in court

2006-04-21T21:04:00.001-04:00

Falun Gong activist Wen Yi Wang was charged with "willfully intimidating, coercing, threatening and harassing a foreign official".

Flight 93 relatives testify for defense

2006-04-20T22:26:00.000-04:00

In the first sketch Jennifer Glick tells of the loss of her brother Jeremy and about "Jeremy's Heroes", a program founded in his memory.

The second sketch shows Alice Hoagland whose son, Mark Bingham, was one of those who led the struggle to thwart the hijacking.

Moussaoui enjoys the show, then tires of it

2006-04-19T21:28:00.000-04:00

Moussaoui was entertained during three days of testimony by mental health experts testifying for his defense. Dr Michael First (see first sketch) told the jury that Moussaoui is so convinced by his dream that President Bush will release him from prison and place him on a plane to Heathrow that he views his death penalty trial as inconsequential. Rather than appreciate the seriousness of his situation he spends his time in court being amused and composing remarks such as "crazy, or not crazy, that is the question" and "Moussaoui flew over the cuckoo's nest" that he shouts on his way out of the courtroom.

He gave the thumbs up to Assistant U.S. Attorney David J. Novak after his particularly aggressive cross-examination of a defense psychiatrist on Tuesday.

But toward the end of the day he begins to show signs of growing weary and often looks up at the clock on the wall behind him.

Moussaoui's hateful testimony

2006-04-14T07:49:00.000-04:00

In three hours of testimony a defiant Zacarias Mousaoui expressed not regret, but glee at the suffering caused by the attacks and seemed to take pleasure in pouring vitriol onto the still raw wounds of 9/11.

When asked about the death of Navy Lt. Cmdr. Vince Tolbert, whose image was displayed on a TV screen, Moussaoui said "It make my day".

Pentagon and Flight 93

2006-04-11T21:51:00.000-04:00

After two and a half days of testimony about the Twin Towers, the jury considering the death penalty for Moussaoui today was presented testimony and evidence regarding the Pentagon attack and the hijacking and crash of Flight 93.

In the first drawing Lt. Col. John Thurman, who worked at the Pentagon, testifies about the attack.

In the second drawing a Detective Investigator with the New Jersey State Police introduces tapes of two calls to the control tower from United Flight 93.

Throughout the three days of often horrible testimony Moussaoui has seemed bored, bemused and only occasionally interrested. On his way out of the courtroom today, right after gruesome photos of charred bodies at the Pentagon had been displayed, Moussaoui shouted "Burn all Pentagon next time."

Moving testimony

2006-04-07T08:18:00.000-04:00

The Moussaoui jury yesterday heard heart rending testimony from several witnesses who had lost loved ones from the 9/11 attacks.

Chandra Shekhar Kalahasthi, pictured above, was the last witness of the day. He and his sister, close in age, grew up in a small village in India. Their mother having mental retardation, and abandoned by their father, they were raised by grandparents.

Chandra became a software engineer and his sister, Prasanna, earned a degree in dentistry.

He told of his sister resisting a marriage arranged by their father, but that when she met her prospective groom she fell deeply in love. She married Vamsi and together they moved to Los Angeles.

Distressed after her husband died aboard one of the hijacked planes, she called Chandra in India and asked him to come to LA. When he arrived he found she had hanged herself. He read her very moving suicide letter from the witness stand.

Guiliani recalls 9/11

2006-04-07T06:40:00.000-04:00

Former Mayor Rudy Guiliani recounted the day the twin towers of the World Trade Center came down.
As he narrated a video of the second tower being struck, Moussaoui smiled and traced the path of the plane with a forefinger.

On his way out of the courtroom at mid-morning break Moussaoui exclaimed "burn in the USA".

Moussaoui Verdict

2006-04-04T02:44:00.000-04:00

You really can't prepare a verdict drawing ahead of time.

Sometimes I've tried to get a head start on a verdict sketch by pencilling in the the clerk or foreperson reading the verdict or even the defendant and his attorneys standing. Reporters often do the same thing, writing much of their story in anticipation of a verdict.

It doesn't work very well because even though the court personel assures you that the clerk will stand and read the verdict and that it has always been done that way, this time she'll forget to stand or the judge will decide to read the verdict sheet for a change.

Yesterday Moussaoui ignored the judge's instruction to stand, clenched the arms of his chair and muttered as the verdict was read. As he was led out of the courtroom he exclaimed in a loud voice "You'll never get my blood! God curse you all!"

The Onion knows

2006-04-02T09:43:00.000-04:00

Hamdan v Rumsfeld

2006-03-29T07:39:00.000-05:00

The Supreme Court yesterday heard arguments on presidential power and the legality of the Guantanamo military commissions in the case of Salim Ahmed Hamdan.

In the first drawing attorney Neal K. Katyal argues for petitioner Hamdan. Chief Justice Roberts did not take participate because he was part of an appeals court panel that ruled in the government's favor.

The second sketch was made at Guantanamo during the military commissions in August, 2004. It shows Hamdan with his attorney Navy Lt. Commander Charles Swift. I was not permitted to sketch the likeness of the defendant.

Moussaoui takes the stand

2006-03-27T20:44:00.000-05:00

The first sketch is of Moussaoui being questioned by Assistant U.S. Attorney David Spencer.

The second sketch is a wide shot of the courtroom with Moussaoui on the witness stand and his court appointed attorney Gerald Zerkin at the podium.

The bruise on Moussaoui's forehead

2006-03-26T08:02:00.000-05:00

Spectators at the penalty trial have begun to notice a large bruise-like mark on Moussaoui's forehead.

That it is in fact a bruise from prostration, or Sajdah, as part of prayer, or Salat, was confirmed by a reporter from the arabic language press. He has had it for quite some time, but it is usually hidden by his head covering.

Moussaoui trial back on track

2006-03-20T20:20:00.000-05:00

The death penalty trial Zacarias Moussaoui resumed today after the judge restored part of the government's case on Friday by allowing testimony from substitute aviation security witnesses who have not been tainted as the original witnesses were by TSA attorney Carla Martin.

In the sketch Moussaoui looks on as his court appointed attorney Edward MacMahon cross examines FBI agent Harry Samet.

Case against Moussaoui is gutted.

2006-03-15T16:41:00.000-05:00

Judge Leonie Brinkema has barred key aviation security witnesses from testifying in Moussaoui's death penalty trial, effectively throwing out half of the government's case.

The first sketch features Carla Martin, the TSA attorney who's coaching of witnesses prompted Judge Brinkema to sanction the government.

The second sketch has Judge Brinkema questioning Assistant US Attorney David Raskin.

In the wide shot Assistant US Attorney David Novak is questioning Lynne Osmus, an FAA security administrator and one of the witnesses Carla Martin attempted to coach. It was she who reported Martin's e-mails to prosecutors last Friday.

Moussaoui Death Penalty Derailed

2006-03-13T20:04:00.000-05:00

U.S.District Judge Leonie M. Brinkema said "In all my years on the bench, I've never seen a more egregious violation of the rule about witnesses". Moussaoui's defense moved for a mistrial after learning that a government attorney for the TSA gave upcoming witnesses transcripts of opening statements and testimony in the sentencing trial.

At the conclusion of today's proceedings Moussaoui smiled and raised his cup of water in the direction of the attorneys as if to toast. As he left the courtroom he exclaimed "the show must go on".

Moussaoui's mother in courtroom

2006-03-07T19:47:00.000-05:00

Moussaoui's mother, who viewed the first day's proceedings from a remote monitor in the Alexandria courthouse, today took a seat in the courtroom. Moussaoui did not acknowledge her presence though he had to be aware that she was there. His mother, Aicha el-Wafi, later said "ce n'est plus mon fils, c'est quelqu'un d'autre".

On the witness stand is FBI agent Michael Aticev being questioned by Assistant U.S. Attorney David Raskin. Moussaoui is in the left foreground and his mother in the right foreground, two of Moussaoui's court appointed attorneys are in the middle.

Moussaoui Penalty Trial begins

2006-03-06T21:25:00.000-05:00

In the first sketch Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert A. Spencer makes his openning arguments to the jury. The judge has ordered that the likenesses of the jurors not be depicted.

In the second sketch Moussaoui watches a video interview of Osama Bin Laden introduced into evidence.

Texas redistricting in Supreme Court

2006-03-02T08:46:00.000-05:00

Two sketches from yesterday's arguments in the U.S. Supreme Court. The first shows pettitioner's attorney Paul M. Smith addressing th Court. Texas Solicitor General Ted Cruz is in the second sketch.

Ms Smith goes to Washington

2006-02-28T20:33:00.000-05:00

Anna Nicole Smith sat in the back of the Supreme Court chamber (I invoked my artistic license and moved her up - she's in the right middle-ground in my sketch) as her case was argued.

BlackBerry dodges injunction, for now

2006-02-25T09:33:00.000-05:00

After hearing lengthy arguments from NTP and Research in Motion Ltd. in U.S. District Court in Richmond, Chief Judge James R. Spencer said he would rule "as soon as reasonably possible".

Terror defendants seek to find if they were spied on

2006-02-23T10:39:00.000-05:00

Convicted terror defendants Ali al-Timimi
and Ahmed Omar Abu Ali
believe that they were targets of President Bush's warrantless eavesdropping program.

In the case of Abu Ali trial Judge Gerald Bruce Lee postponed sentencing and ordered the government to disclose wether it used any information from warrantless surveillance in it's prosecution.
Lawyers for al-Timimi have filed an appeal with the 4th Circuit in Richmond, VA.

Moussaoui attends jury selection after all

2006-02-16T18:28:00.000-05:00

After being barred from jury selection on Tuesday Moussaoui showed up in the courtroom on Wednesday for the beginning of individual voir dire. No explanation was given.

Artists are not permitted to sketch the jurors in this case, hence the blank silhouette.

Moussaoui barred from jury selection

2006-02-15T08:46:00.000-05:00

Refusing to keep quiet, Zacarias Moussaoui was barred from the courtroom for the voir dire of prospective jurors in his upcoming sentencing trial. He will be able to observe the proceedings by closed circuit monitor.

Marion Barry

2006-02-08T17:58:00.000-05:00

Marion Barry's attorney Frederick D. Cooke Jr. attempts to explain to U.S. Magistrate Judge Deborah Robinson why Barry, who pleaded guilty last fall to not filing income tax returns for six years, had only filed his returns yesterday and has yet to make any arrangements to pay his back taxes. Barry also failed a court ordered drug test, testing positive for marijuana and cocaine.
The judge has postponed sentencing until March 9.

Moussaoui

2006-02-05T16:56:00.000-05:00

Jury selection begins tomorrow for the sentencing trial of Zacarias Moussaoui, once called the 20th hijacker. This drawing is from a June 2002 hearing before U.S. District Judge Leonie Brinkema. Moussaoui's mother is seated in the right foreground.

Trial Date for Scooter Libby

2006-02-04T09:14:00.000-05:00

I. Lewis "Scooter" Libby seated between Special Prosecutor Patrick Fitzgerald (standing left) and his attorney Ted Wells (also standing) at a hearing yesterday before U.S. District Judge Reggie B. Walton yesterday. The Judge set a trial date of on January 8, 2007.

David Safavian

2006-01-26T10:54:00.000-05:00

Former White House OMB procurement chief David Safavian at a motions hearing before U.S. District Judge Paul L. Friedman, November 14, 2005. He accused of lying about his dealings with a lobbyist -Abramoff- on a 2002 golf trip to Scotland. At the podium is his attorney, Barbara Van Gelder.

Pentagon Analyst Sentenced to 12 Years

2006-01-20T17:40:00.000-05:00

Former Pentagon analyst Larry Franklin who pleaded guilty to passing classified information to two pro-Israel lobbyists and an Israeli diplomat is scentenced by Judge T.S.Ellis in U.S. District Court, Alexandria, VA.

Justice O'Connor's last opinion?

2006-01-18T17:21:00.000-05:00

Outgoing Supreme Court Justice O'Connor delivered the Court's unanimous opinion in Ayotte v Planned Parenthood of New England. In the twenty-four years, or so, since O'Connor took the bench I have never been able to sketch a really great likeness of her.
The other drawing shows New Hampshire Attorney General Kelly Ayotte making her argument before the Court on November 30, 2005.

Supreme Court upholds Oregon assisted suicide law

2006-01-17T18:19:00.000-05:00

Justice Kennedy delivers the 6-3 majority opinion in Gonzales v Oregon.
The wide view shows Solicitor General Paul Clement arguing the case before the Supreme Court on October 5, 2005

Padilla Pleads Not Guilty

2006-01-13T15:37:00.000-05:00

Jose Padilla was denied bond by U.S. Magistrate Judge Barry Garber in Miami, Wednesday. Assistant U. S. Attorney Stephanie Pell introduced what she said was Padilla's al Qaeda application. Padilla's attorney, Michael Caruso questioned the authenticity of the alleged 'mujahadeen' application. The trial has been set for November.

Guilty Plea to Congressional Bribe

2006-01-13T15:21:00.000-05:00

Brett Pfeffer, former aide to Representative William J. Jefferson, Democrat of Louisiana,
pleaded guilty Wednesday before U.S. District Judge T.S. Ellis in Alexandria, VA.
According to Pfeffer the congressman solicited his assistance in brokering two African telecommunications deals for which he demanded bribes of 5 to 7 percent.

Jose Padilla

2006-01-07T17:04:00.000-05:00

Jose Padilla appearing before Magistrate Judge Barry Garber in U.S. District Court in Miami on Friday. Standing next to him is his attorney Andrew Patel. Padilla's mother is seated in the foreground.

Abramoff Pleads Guilty

2006-01-03T20:24:00.000-05:00

Lobbyist Jack Abramoff, standing with his attorney Abbe Lowell, pleads guilty to three felony counts before Judge Ellen S. Huvelle in U.S. District Court in Washington, DC.

Hinckley

2006-01-01T17:28:00.000-05:00

John W. Hinckley Jr represented by his attorney, Barry Levine, at a hearing before U.S. District Judge Paul L. Friedman on September 19, 2005 seeking permission for extended visits to his parents home in Williamsburg, Va.
On Friday the judge ruled that Hinckley could initially have three, three night visits and later if all goes well four , four night visits.

Pantano

2005-12-19T12:32:00.000-05:00

Marine Corpsman George Gobles testifies at a hearing on April 27, 2005 at Camp Lejeune, NC to determine whether to bring formal charges against 2nd Lt. Ilario Pantano for shooting to death two suspected insurgents in Iraq.
Pantano was eventually cleared of the murder accusations

Ahmed Omar Abu Ali

2005-12-19T12:17:00.000-05:00

Detention hearing in US District Court for Ahmed Omar Abu Ali shortly after he arrived from detention in Saudi Arabia. Charged with conspiracy to commit acts of terrorism Abu Ali claimed that a confession obtained by Saudi interrogators and used as evidence against him at his trial was obtained under torture.
He was found guilty by a jury November 22, 2005

2005-12-13T21:37:00.000-05:00

Libby Arraignment
I. Lewis 'Scooter' Libby arraigned before US District Judge Reggie Walton, November 3, 2205

2005-12-11T22:32:00.000-05:00

Intelligent Design
Brown University professor Kenneth Miller testifies in Kitzmiller v Dover School District on the question of whether ID is a religious belief or a scientific theory. Judge John Jones III, who presided over the six week bench trial in U.S.District Court in Harrisburg, PA, is expected to rule in the next few weeks.

2005-12-09T17:11:00.000-05:00

Guantanamo
These are sketches of the Military Commissions at Guantanamo Naval Base in August 2004.
They are the only existing visual reccord of the proceedings.

I also witnessed one the the Tribunals, where the detainee's status as combatant is determined,
but was not allowed to sketch it.

2005-12-08T16:41:00.000-05:00

Cindy Sheehan along with about forty co-defendants on trial in U.S. District Court November 16 on carges of demonstrating in front of the White House without a permit.

2005-12-07T22:21:00.000-05:00

Supreme Court
Joshua Rosenkranz arguing against the Solomon amendment in Rumsfeld v FAIR, 12-6-05

2005-12-07T07:32:00.000-05:00

Supreme Court

New Hampshire Attorney General Kelly Ayotte arguing before the U.S. Supreme Court last week in Ayotte v Planned Parenthood of Northern New England.