The Pentagon today reiterated its view that recent U.S. airstrikes in Afghanistan killed only 5 civilians along with 25 militants. The tally contradicts the United Nations, Afghan officials, and human rights group, all of whom have put the civilian casualty toll at between 75 and 90. According to three Afghan officials, the U.S. was misled into attacking the village based on faulty information by tribal rivals. (Washington Post)
It may be more difficult for prosecutors to acquire sensitive information during investigations of corporate fraud cases, thanks to new guidelines issued by the Department of Justice. The changes will prevent companies from being penalized for paying for the legal expenses of their employees, and will prevent the government from demanding confidential legal materials. A representative from the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers said they were “overjoyed” at the changes. (Bloomberg)
A U.S. Marine has been acquitted for the manslaughter of four Iraqi civilians Sgt. Jose Nazario was the first military officer tried in civilian court for war crimes in Iraq. Jurors explained both that they felt there was inadequate forensic evidence to convict Nazario, as well as expressing reservations about passing judgment on Marines in combat situations. According to one juror, “I hope they realize that they shouldn’t be second-guessed, that we support them and know that they’re doing the right thing.” (Los Angeles Times)
The walls are closing in on Detroit mayor Kwame Kilpatrick. The mayor is currently suing to stop Democratic governor Jennifer Granholm from holding a hearing that could lead to the removal of the indicted mayor from office. Kilpatrick is currently being sued by his own attorney for $80,000 in unpaid legal bills. Meanwhile, five lawyers who are considered critical to Kilpatrick’s defense have decided not to testify at the removal hearing. (AP, Detroit Free Press)
Even if Sen. Ted Stevens (R-Alaska) manages to convince the voters to overlook his recent indictment on corruption charges, he still may find another obstacle to rejoining the Senate next term. Under the Senate rules, the Senator could still be expelled from Congress with a two-thirds vote. Such a vote may be unlikely, as it would require a significant number of Republicans to vote against the Senator. Stevens will be put on trial for failing to disclose political gifts next month. (AP)
A Federal judge in Texas may soon be appearing in court as a defendent after being indicted for sexually abusing a female deputy court clerk. According to the indictment, Judge Samuel B. Kent “attempted to cause Person A to engage in contact between Person A’s mouth and defendant Kent’s penis by forcing Person A’s head towards defendant Kent’s groin area.” Kent is accused of two additional instances of sexual assault. (ABC News)
