Legal Research

Judge Bars Mayor Bloomberg Gun Testimony, Fearing "Media Show"

By David Badertscher, PLL

Source: Crime and Justice News, May 23, 2008.

"New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg's testimony against a Georgia gun dealer won't happen, after all. Saying he did not want 'a media show,' federal judge Jack Weinstein ruled that Bloomberg cannot testify at the civil trial of a gun dealer accused of creating a public nuisance by selling weapons that were later used to commit crimes in the city. Weinstein said he did not want Bloomberg to testify in the case against Jay Wallace out of fear that his appearance would prove too distracting. Weinstein told a city attorney Bloomberg 'doesn't add anything to your case.' " 

"Jury selection is to begin Tuesday. 'We respectfully disagree with the court's decision,' said the city's chief lawyer. Michael Cardozo, 'but are confident that the city's other witnesses will be able to explain successfully to the court why the city should prevail.' "

New York Times

Full post as published by New York Supreme Court Criminal Term Library on May 23, 2008 (boomark / email).