No Stanford Verdict Till Monday

Judge Hittner requests recent edition of Black’s Law Dictionary for formal definition of the word “scheme”

Judge David Hittner appeared in court earlier to answer a jury question regarding the legal definition of the word “scheme.” This was in reference to the five counts of wire fraud and five counts of mail fraud against Stanford.

The jury had not reached a verdict as of 2 p.m.. At that time, Judge Hittner departed on business that will keep him away from the court through tomorrow. An alternate judge will answer further questions from the jury while he’s away.

The jury will continue to deliberate during Judge Hittner’s absence. If they reach their decision this afternoon or tomorrow, the verdict will be sealed and read on Monday when the judge returns.