Federal prosecutors have until Friday to respond to a petition that lawyers for former Gov. Rod Blagojevich filed with the U.S. Supreme Court to delay his June trial.
Justice John Paul Stevens on Friday directed the government to respond in writing to the petition filed this week. Blagojevich’s public corruption trial is set to begin June 3.
Blagojevich’s defense is seeking a delay until after the high court issues a ruling on the “honest services” fraud law. That decision is expected late next month.
Lawyers for the ex-governor contend they cannot adequately prepare an opening statement with the statute in limbo. The Supreme Court justices have hinted that the law may be too vague and they could limit or throw out the statute, which requires public officials to serve honestly.
— Jeff Coen
