Supreme Court: Stevens Denies Blagojevich Stay Request

Update re: previous post about Rod Blagojevich's pending application with the Supreme Court, to delay his trial:

SCOTUSblog is reporting that Justice Stevens has denied the request and that the trial will start next week, as planned.

Update: Supreme Court Justice Does Not Reject Blagojevich Request Outright

Update to previous post regarding Rod Blagojevich and the trio of honest services fraud cases pending before the Supreme Court:

The Chicago Sun-Times is reporting today that Justice Stevens has given federal prosecutors until next Friday to respond to Blagojevich's request to the Supreme Court, seeking a stay in his trial pending the Court's decision on the honest services fraud cases.

Seventh Circuit Dismisses Blagojevich Motion

The Seventh Circuit has dismissed Rod Blagojevich's motion to delay the start of his trial. Blagojevich is charged, in part, with honest services fraud, a provision under scrutiny in a trio of cases currently pending before the Supreme Court. Blagojevich's counsel stated that if the Supreme Court throws out the law while the trial is in progress, they will move for a mistrial. Rejecting the motion, the Seventh Circuit explained that "it might give us pause" if "deprivation of honest services" were the only charge. "However, the defendants [Blagojevich and his brother] face additional charges." An appeal to the Supreme Court is expected.