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A constitutional dispute is emerging in the corruption trial of U.S. Senator Robert Menendez of New Jersey. Menendez's defense argues that the government cannot use text messages related to military aid to Egypt and a local businessman accused of bribing the senator. The case has seen Menendez's campaign spend $2 million on defense and legal fees, as reported by a Federal Election Commission filing. A recent ruling by a judge today has blocked key government evidence, citing the Speech and Debate Clause, which protects federal legislators. Menendez is also urging a Manhattan federal judge to compel a government cooperator to turn over communications involving his current and former attorneys.
The judge is right. Prosecutors don’t get to unveil the inner workings of the legislative process to make a criminal case even when that evidence exposes unlawful conduct. No doubt that Menendez was up to no good, but their case must yield to the critical shield Congress enjoys. https://t.co/wMBWfzeLIO
NEW: Major #speechordebate ruling in Menendez case as judge knocks out key government evidence. @ryrivard on how the constitutional protection for federal legislators complicates the (latest) corruption case against NJ's senior senator https://t.co/m9wpXF3MAc
Amid his bribery trial, U.S. Sen. Robert Menendez of New Jersey is urging a Manhattan federal judge to order a government cooperator to turn over communications involving his current counsel at Kasowitz Benson Torres LLP and his former attorneys. https://t.co/dHVgcUYhL2
