Clifford, Altman face civil RICO trial over BCCI; case back in limelight after five years
Article Abstract:
Clark Clifford and Robert Altman's legal woes regarding the Bank of Credit and Commerce International are back in the news with the two defendants to face a civil RICO trial regarding the BCCI debacle. Plaintiffs' court documents show the lawyers represented BCCI in various legal matters from 1978-1991, starting with the bank's involvement in litigation regarding an attempted takeover of Financial General Bankshares Inc, whose name was later changed to First American Bankshares Inc and is now in liquidation. Whether the lawyers knew that BCCI was owner and purchaser of First American is a key issue in the trial.
Publication Name: The National Law Journal
Subject: Law
ISSN: 0162-7325
Year: 1998
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Use of videotape in opening statements expands; courts must decide if videotape depositions in lawyers' opening statements prejudice jurors
Article Abstract:
Appellate court rulings on the use of videotaped depositions in opening statements do not seem to exist, although at the trial court level there has been permission of the practice. Courts have also been receptive to videotapes during the evidentiary portion of a trial. Courts have three options for handling excerpts of videotaped depositions appearing in opening statements. They can disallow the practice generally, they can decide on a case-by-case basis or they can allow it it contains evidence that would be admissible during the trial phase. Misleading or prejudicial excerpts should not be permitted.
Publication Name: The National Law Journal
Subject: Law
ISSN: 0162-7325
Year: 1997
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