Overview
- A three-judge panel heard oral arguments Thursday in Chicago and said it will issue a written decision in the coming months.
- Madigan’s lawyers argued the case lacked a specific quid pro quo, saying prosecutors relied on vague references to future legislation and flawed jury instructions on what it means to act corruptly.
- Prosecutors urged the court to affirm, calling the case quintessential bribery tied to ComEd’s rate legislation and to no-work contracts that paid five Madigan allies about $1.3 million over eight years.
- Judges Michael Scudder and Nancy Maldonado pressed both sides on how specific the alleged official acts must be and whose intent controls under recent Supreme Court guidance, while Judge Frank Easterbrook asked no questions.
- Madigan remains in a West Virginia prison on a 7.5-year term with a pardon request pending as a separate Seventh Circuit panel hears related appeals for Anne Pramaggiore and Michael McClain on Tuesday.