Isn’t it a bummer when you have to keep your agreements? Just ask ol’ Scooter, whose case closed today with a pissed-off judge.
The judge in the case became upset Wednesday when defense attorneys sought to follow an agreement with prosecutors that was based on Libby’s taking the stand.
Because Libby and his attorneys decided he would not testify, U.S. District Judge Reggie Walton blocked them from using some classified evidence in the case.
The defense announced Tuesday that neither Libby nor Vice President Dick Cheney, who was expected to support him, would testify.
“It’s too much of a game now,” Walton said. “It’s supposed to be about finding the truth, and then we play games with the process.”
The agreed-to material was intended to be a partial substitute for Libby’s testimony, said the judge and Fitzgerald.
Because of that, the defense will not be allowed to get that evidence before the jury, which will deny the government a chance to question Libby about how it may have affected his state of mind.
After the defense and the prosecution each pressed their view on the matter, Walton said, “I won’t permit it,” adding, “If I get reversed on that one, maybe I need to hang up my spurs.”
Oh, you’ll probably just get fired a few months down the road for “performance issues” instead, judge.
Closing arguments will be presented Tuesday.
