In a very lengthy opinion that recounts much of the evidence, trial and challenges to the conviction of Dr. Jeffrey MacDonald for killing his pregnant wife and two daughters in 1970, the 4th Circuit has again denied MacDonald relief. The court recounts the inconsistencies of MacDonald's defense. Some of you may recall books and motion pictures involving the case under the name "Fatal Vision". Controversy surrounded the book as MacDonald had thought the book would tout his innocence but instead concluded he was guilty. MacDonald was Princeton educated and has maintained his innocence since his conviction. The 4th Circuit originally overturned the conviction for lack of a speedy trial, but that decision was reversed by the SCT 6-3 and MacDonald has been in custody ever since. The 4th Circuit discusses the evidence in detail and the many interesting facts surrounding this case. While the end result finds MacDonald could not sustain his burden to overturn the guilty verdict, the case sheds light on what a difficult problem we'd face if a conviction is overturned after 40 years. http://www.ca4.uscourts.gov/opinions/157136.P.pdf [cid:image002.png@01D49946.1BF57AA0] Charles W. Thompson, Jr. Executive Director/General Counsel International Municipal Lawyers Association, Inc. A 51 Monroe St., Suite 404, Rockville, MD 20850 [cid:image005.jpg@01D49946.1BF57AA0]<http://www.facebook.com/IMLA-259977855541/> [cid:image007.jpg@01D49946.1BF57AA0] <http://www.linkedin.com/company/international-municipal-lawyers-association-inc./> [cid:image009.png@01D49946.1BF57AA0] <http://twitter.com/imlalegal> [cid:image011.jpg@01D49946.1BF57AA0] <http://soundcloud.com/internationalmunicipallawyersassociation> P (202) 466-5424 ext. 7110 M 240-876-6790 D (202) 742-1016 W www.imla.org<http://www.imla.org> Plan Ahead! IMLA's Mid-Year Seminar<http://www.imla.org/events/seminars>, March 29- April 1 in Washington, D.C.! IMLA's 84th Annual Conference<http://www.imla.org/events/conferences>, September 18-22 in Atlanta, GA!