|
Illinois Law May Protect Patricia Blagojevich in Corruption Case
A word of advice to the Blagojeviches: whatever you do, don't get a divorce.An Illinois law dating to the 1960s may help protect the state's foul-mouthed first lady as the federal government proceeds with its investigation and prosecution of her husband, Gov. Rod Blagojevich. Illinois penal code bars Patricia Blagojevich from testifying against her husband about "any conversation [held] between them during marriage," a result of a "marital privilege" law that keeps the content of their contact private, just as conversations between a priest and penitent are off the books. "Mrs. Blagojevich cannot be compelled to testify against the governor without his consent," said Judge Andrew Napolitano, senior legal analyst for FOX News. "So very little purpose could be used in squeezing her" -- pressing charges against her in an attempt to get to her husband. U.S. attorneys charged Gov. Blagojevich with corruption Tuesday. FBI agents arrested him at his home in Chicago for allegedly trying to sell President-elect Barack Obama's vacant U.S. Senate seat. Federal courts would honor the Illinois state law on spousal privilege if they bring a case to trial. Phone taps captured the governor "conspiring to sell the Senate seat in exchange for" -- among other things -- "his wife's placement on paid corporate boards," where she would receive at least $150,000 a year, according to the criminal complaint filed by U.S. attorneys. Patricia Blagojevich was mentioned 19 times in the federal file. And though she may not want to squawk, she's already said more than a mouthful. On Nov. 10, the complaint alleges, Patricia Blagojevich participated in a two-hour conference call with her husband and others as they discussed ways to profit from appointing Obama's replacement in the U.S. Senate, and the means of hiding evidence of a "pay-for-play" scheme. Posted by: Fred 2008-12-13 |
| http://www.rantburg.com/poparticle.php?ID=257125 |