Conrad Black Trial. Defence: Non-Compete Payments were Approved by the Board and the Audit Committee

April 5, 2007. To counter the assertions made by the prosecution that the non-compete payments made to Black and Black's associates via his private company Hollinger Inc., were illegal, Black's lawyer Edward Genson, brought in a former secretary at Hollinger International as a witness.

Genson had the secretary read board meeting minutes that showed the entire board as well as its audit committee had full knowledge of the payments and approved the payments. In addition, fairness to shareholders was discussed and negotiated at the meetings.

The payment made to Black and his associates by purchasers of newspapers belonging to Hollinger Inc. are central of the prosecution's case that Black is guilty of theft. If the defence can show that, even if they were excessive, unfair or inappropriate, there was nothing illegal about the payments.

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