March 20, 2007. Chicago. News that Conrad Black's former partner David Radler, had agreed to a US$ 92.1 million settlement: US$28.7 million dollar as a fine to the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and $63.4 million dollar as a settlement with former Hollinger International shareholders, delayed the start of Conrad Black's Trial. Black's lawyer, Ed Genson, asked Judge Amy St. Eve to delay opening arguments, arguing that publication of Radler's settlement over the weekend could have prejudiced the jury and therefore Black's right to a fair trial.

Black and three of his colleagues are on trial in a Chicago courtroom facing 17 criminal charges. The trial was expected to start Monday, March 19.

The Judge questioned jurors to see if they had read or heard about the developments regarding David Radler over the weekend and adjourned proceedings until Tuesday, March 20, 2007.

It is possible that Radler's admission of guilt and well as his settlements (which involve large, if not unprecedented amounts of money), will be used by the prosecution against Black. Black does not admit to any wrong-doing. The prosecution may also use Radler's contrition and penance to bolster Radler's credibility as their star witness against Black. There is a danger that the timing of these announcements can seem contrived even though the prosecution denies any previous knowledge of the settlements or their timing. If the prosecution overplays their hand, jury sympathy could swing in Black's favour.

Conrad Black Trial Pages On This Site

» 1. Background to the Conrad Black Trial

» 2. Conrad Black Trial - Issues, Arguments and Chances. Charges and Defence. Opportunities and Challenges

» 3. The Conrad Black Trial and Corporate Governance

» 4. Conrad Black's Partner David Radler Pays US$28.7M Fine & US$63.4M Settlement

» 5. Conrad Black Trial Delayed

» 6. Conrad Black Trial Opening Statements

» 7. Conrad Black's Co-Defendants Distance Themselves From Him

» 8. Conrad Black's Lawyer Questions Impartiality of First Witness

» 9. The Non-Compete Payments Part 1

» 10. The Non-Compete Payments Part 2

» 11. The Non-Compete Payments Had Board Approval

» 12. Focus Shifts to Expenses & Use of Corporate Jet

» 13. Role of Lawyers in Non-Compete Payments

» 14. Role of Lawyers Part II. Accusations Suffer Setback

» 15. David Radler Takes the Stand Against Black

» 15a. Former Gov. Thompson: No Approval for Non-Compete Payments

» 16. David Radler's Second Week on the Stand

» 17. Final Assault on David Radler's Credibility

» 18. Jonathan Rosenberg Takes the Stand

» 19. The Prosecution Rests Their Case

» 20. Obstruction of Justice Charge

» 21. Radler Recall Overruled

» 22. Judge Makes a Controversial Ruling

» 23. Closing Arguments Commence

» 24. Jury Deliberates

» 25. Facts and Figures

» 26. Jury Deadlocked

» 27. Black and Co-Defendants Convicted

» 28. Black and Co-Defendants Sentenced

» 29. Radler Sentenced