The case of the “United States of America versus Robert and Maureen McDonnell” now rests in the hands of the jury.
U.S. District Judge James Spencer spent all morning presenting his instructions to the 12 jurors—including the definitions of each charge and the elements of the complex federal laws that would be essential for conviction beyond a reasonable doubt. The proceedings began with the defense formally objecting to some of the jury instructions that echoed statements made by prosecutors.
The judge told the seven men and five women that THEY are the sole judges of the facts and which evidence and witnesses to believe—but they should only weigh what was presented in court. He said they must examine the immunized testimony of Jonnie Williams with greater care—and determine if his statements were affected by self-interest or prejudice. Spencer said because Maureen was not a public official, a conspiracy must be proven and her husband found guilty of some charges to find her guilty.
He said to find guilt beyond a reasonable doubt, the government must prove criminal intent—that two or more people knew the purpose of a corrupt agreement, then deliberately and knowingly entered into it. He said the agreement did not need to be explicit. The judge stressed that no one alleges that the McDonnells violated state law—but only federal law. He also said if evidence of good character is inconsistent with traits associated with the crimes, that this may give rise to reasonable doubt. He added that the jury must be unanimous on each count for a defendant to be convicted of that count.
The jury will not be sequestered. Until a verdict is rendered, the jury will deliberate each day until the early evening, then each juror will go home and begin again the next morning. They were instructed to not read, listen to, or watch any news, discuss the case with anyone, or do research on the Internet.
