Exclusive Content
Access to the page you selected is exclusive.
If you are a member or have acccess, Login.
If you are not a member yet, please join NACDL and the fight for a fair, rational, and humane criminal legal system now.
Page Hero
It Is Time to Muzzle the Speaking Indictment
Speaking indictments are indictments that contain more facts and allegations than the law requires. These lengthy narratives permit the government to favorably influence the public perception of a case and impact the jury at trial. How can defense attorneys push back against speaking indictments?
Photo above: Special Counsel Jack Smith speaks during a press conference after Donald Trump is indictment on criminal charges by a federal grand jury in the 2020 election interference case in Washington, DC on Tuesday, August 1, 2023. | Credit: Bonnie Cash/UPI/Newscom