Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

applegrove

(118,022 posts)
Sat Mar 22, 2014, 08:36 PM Mar 2014

"Lawyers For 2 Ex-Christie Aides Call For Immunity" by AP

Lawyers For 2 Ex-Christie Aides Call For Immunity by AP

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/03/22/chris-christie-aides_n_5013403.html

"SNIP.......................


The issue before a state court judge in Trenton is whether the lawmakers can force Kelly and Stepien to comply with subpoenas in the investigation of politically motivated traffic jams created near the George Washington Bridge last year. The judge, Mary Jacobson, had asked both sides to write briefs on the issue of immunity.

Christie fired Kelly in January after revelations that she was involved in creating the traffic jams in Fort Lee possibly as retribution against its Democratic mayor, who didn't endorse Christie for re-election. The governor, a possible presidential contender in 2016, also cut ties with Stepien, citing the "callous indifference" he showed in emails about the traffic lane closures.

Christie has denied advance knowledge of the lane closures. No one has been charged with any crimes in the case.

Most others asked for documents in the case, including Christie's re-election campaign and his office, are complying. But Kelly and Stepien have invoked their right not to self-incriminate and say federal prosecutors have sought information from them in the case.




......................SNIP"
2 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
"Lawyers For 2 Ex-Christie Aides Call For Immunity" by AP (Original Post) applegrove Mar 2014 OP
I still don't understand how Erich Bloodaxe BSN Mar 2014 #1
I know. I do wonder if they want immunity knowing Christie knew nothing. Then applegrove Mar 2014 #2

Erich Bloodaxe BSN

(14,733 posts)
1. I still don't understand how
Sat Mar 22, 2014, 08:57 PM
Mar 2014

public employees can claim the 5th to prevent themselves from handing over communications they engaged in while performing (however badly) duties related to their jobs. Seems to me that any communications related to any public employee function are 'owned' by the public.

So I could see claiming the 5th to avoid handing over jokes you made about the suffering you inflicted on drivers, but not on the communications that were actually about closing lanes, or trying to prevent the lanes from being re-opened.

Still, I'd certainly give immunity to either one if it resulted in physical proof that Christie was actually involved.

applegrove

(118,022 posts)
2. I know. I do wonder if they want immunity knowing Christie knew nothing. Then
Sat Mar 22, 2014, 09:03 PM
Mar 2014

nobody would go to jail. Closing a bridge is vandalism at the very least. How do we in north America keep our cities free of corruption if people don't pay for it when it is caught.

Latest Discussions»General Discussion»"Lawyers For 2 Ex-Ch...