Snappy newsletters. Simple Facebook sharing. Spirited comments. Sweet features are waiting… GET THEM NOW!

Supreme Court to Hear Enron CEO's Appeal

Jeff Skilling challenges 'honest services' law, says trial was unfair

By Kevin Spak,  Newser Staff

Posted Oct 13, 2009 9:56 AM CDT
Email

(Newser) – The Supreme Court has agreed to hear former Enron CEO Jeffrey Skilling’s appeal of his fraud conviction in connection with the company's collapse. The appeal argues that the federal “honest services” statute, a favorite for prosecutors tackling white collar criminals, is flawed because the government needn’t prove that the defendant’s actions were for his own personal gain. Conrad Black was brought down with the same law, and the Court earlier agreed to hear his appeal, too.

Skilling also contends that he wasn’t given a fair trial, because the people of Houston were out for blood after Enron’s collapse. If the Court agrees, Skilling will probably get a new trial. A lower appeals court upheld all 19 counts of his conviction, but is considering reducing his 24-year prison sentence. Prosecutors, naturally, contend the trial was fair—and that there was overwhelming evidence behind Skilling’s conviction.

Former Enron executive Jeff Skilling leave the courthouse after the verdict in his fraud and conspiracy trial in this May 25, 2006 file photo in Houston.
Former Enron executive Jeff Skilling leave the courthouse after the verdict in his fraud and conspiracy trial in this May 25, 2006 file photo in Houston.   (AP Photo/Pat Sullivan, file)
Former Enron CEO Jeffrey Skilling leaves the federal courthouse in Houston Wednesday, Aug. 11, 2004.
Former Enron CEO Jeffrey Skilling leaves the federal courthouse in Houston Wednesday, Aug. 11, 2004.   (AP Photo/Pat Sullivan, File)
« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow
To report an error on this story, notify our editors.
A snapshot of the day's best news stories.
 
COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 8 comments
bewilderbeast
Oct 14, 2009 11:09 AM CDT
And another thing: When are lawyers going to revisit their "ethics" code and insert an honesty and decency clause? What? When hell freezes over? Sheeeyit.
bewilderbeast
Oct 14, 2009 11:07 AM CDT
Is there no end to the dishonesty and weasel-iness of these corporate thugs?
cochiserocks
Oct 13, 2009 10:05 AM CDT
and you know if he gets off, it will open the flood gates on all those rare white collar convicts - so then not only will they believe they are above the law, they'll also know that if by some small chance they can't buy their way out - there's a strong chance their appeal will work once the smoke has blown over.

 
Conrad Black • Enron • white collar crime • US Supreme Court • Jeffrey Skilling

More Newser Stories

Son of Former Enron CEO Found Dead

High Court Strikes Part of Sarbanes-Oxley

Supreme Court Sides With Skilling, Black

Supreme Court Shoots Down Jefferson's Appeal

Court Rejects $40B Suit from Enron Investors
NEWS FROM OUR PARTNERS
Other Sites We Like:   24/7 Wall St.   |   Betty Confidential   |   BuzzFeed   |   Cracked   |   Fark   |   Timelines   |   The Frisky   |   Geek Sugar   |   NewsOne