Feb 10, 2025, 4:31 PM GMT
Jury instructions finalized; closing arguments to begin soon
Judge finalized jury instructions just after noon.
A lunch break was called.
Closing arguments are expected to begin after the lunch break.
Mike Madigan trial updates: Madigan's fate now in hands of the jury in corruption trial
Last updated: Monday, February 3, 2025 10:25PM GMT
CHICAGO (WLS) -- 14-and-a-half weeks after the jury was first seated in former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan's federal bribery and racketeering trial, his fate, and that of his co-defendant Mike McClain is now in their hands.
Madigan had been indicted on federal racketeering and bribery charges as a part of what federal prosecutors call "the Madigan enterprise," where they say he allegedly committed crimes for his personal gain and that of his political allies.
The blockbuster trial has taken several months.
Check back with ABC7 Chicago for live updates.
Feb 10, 2025, 4:31 PM GMT
Judge begins jury instruction
Madigan and McClain walked into court just before 9 a.m. on Wednesday.
As the court was called to session, the judge said a juror asked if they keep the trial notes. The judge ruled that jurors will have to destroy all notes.
Asst U.S. Attorneys Julia Schwartz and Diane MacArthur are expected to do closing arguments.
New government exhibits were admitted as evidence.
By 10:20 a.m. the jury had been seated and the jury instructions began shortly after.
Feb 10, 2025, 4:31 PM GMT
Closing arguments to begin Wednesday
Closing arguments are expected to begin Wednesday in the federal corruption trial of longtime Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan.
Court is expected to resume at 9 a.m.
Former federal prosecutor Chris Hotaling joined ABC7 to discuss key points presented by the prosecution and the defense.
Feb 10, 2025, 4:31 PM GMT
Defense rests case
The defense rested its case Thursday in Mike Madigan's federal corruption trial
Both Madigan's attorneys and Mike McClain's attorneys also filed motions for acquittal, which were denied.
The judge also denied McClain's motion to sever his case from Madigan's.
The jury will return Wednesday morning for closing arguments, which are expected to last three days.
