Libby lawyers outline defense strategy News
Libby lawyers outline defense strategy

[JURIST] Lawyers representing I. Lewis "Scooter" Libby [CBS profile] on Tuesday offered details regarding his likely defense to charges that he lied to investigators about his role in exposing the identity of CIA operative Valerie Plame. Libby, the former chief of staff for Vice President Dick Cheney, was indicted in the CIA leak case [JURIST news archive] but has pleaded not guilty [JURIST report] to charges [PDF indictment; JURIST report] of obstructing justice, perjury and making false statements. The lawyers indicated that they would likely argue that any statements found to be untrue were a result of innocent confusion or faulty memory rather than intentional deception. They stressed that Libby was focused on more important national security matters at the time he made the statements. Libby's lawyers are also requesting the use of classified evidence [JURIST report] and plan to subpoena journalists [JURIST report] and news organizations for reporters' notes and records. The New York Times has more.