The Government Rests

The Government rested today, largely finishing on a strong note. Leo Wise, for the Government, displayed none of the uncertainty that seemed present earlier in the trial when he examined Lee Wolfe. His questions were linear and concise, his redirect of Drake Johnstone very effective in undoing many of the points raised on cross. At the same time, this Blog has continued to be impressed with Jeffrey Speiser, the lawyer most of the morning for the Defendant, who always arrives at the podium with a clear strategy, a strong sense of execution and, most importantly, an ability to sometimes disagree with Judge Nottingham without earning a dunning response (although his attempt to introduce evidence that, from the discussion, seemed to be the same thing he had objected to when the Government tried, drew disbelief from Judge Nottingham).

The Government got out today in unequivocal language testimony on the importance of the IRU transactions to the market.  Two analysts testified about the importance of the magnitude of the IRUs and their unhappiness when they learned the truth in August 2001. The testimony was clear and easy for the jury to understand.

It won’t go unchallenged. The Defendant begins his case tomorrow (Thursday) after having a motion for acquittal denied. The first witness will be Phillip Anschutz, the founder of Qwest, the hirer of Joe Nacchio, and a former board member. It should be interesting.