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Blago Lawyers, Prosecutors Taking Final Steps
CHICAGO (AP) -- Prosecutors and attorneys for Rod Blagojevich are expected to meet to agree on instructions for the judge to give to jurors before they begin deliberating the ousted Illinois governor's fate.

In discussions Friday, the defense lawyers will likely push for Judge James Zagel to tell jurors not to give any weight to Blagojevich's decision not to testify despite saying for months that he would.

The former governor and his brother have pleaded not guilty to scheming to sell an appointment to President Barack Obama's old Senate seat. Closing arguments begin Monday.

Trial consultant for the Better Government Association Darrow Abrahams says there's a standard jury instructions template and usually not much leeway. He says instructions help jurors process complex arguments and evidence.

(Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
07 23 10 by Newsroom
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