High court hears Virginia ex-governor's corruption appeal
Source: Reuters
World | Wed Apr 27, 2016 10:21am EDT
High court hears Virginia ex-governor's corruption appeal
WASHINGTON | BY LAWRENCE HURLEY
The Supreme Court heard arguments on Wednesday in former Virginia Governor Robert McDonnell's appeal of his conviction on corruption charges involving $177,000 in gifts and sweetheart loans from a businessman seeking to promote a dietary supplement.
The eight justices began hearing a scheduled hour of oral arguments in the case, with a ruling due by the end of June. On a dreary, rainy day in Washington, McDonnell arrived at the white marble courthouse ahead of the arguments.
A judge sentenced McDonnell, a 61-year-old former Republican Party rising star, to two years behind bars, but the Supreme Court last year said he would not have to report to prison while his appeals were ongoing.
McDonnell's lawyers contend the former governor's conduct did not constitute "official action" in exchange for a thing of value, as required for conviction under federal bribery law.
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