Impact of Balducci testimony on Eaton v. Frisby case unclear
The Clarion-Ledger contained a story this week on the deposition of Tim Balducci in the Eaton v. Frisby case. Balducci was deposed in prison in June and the Clarion-Ledger obtained a copy of the deposition, despite the fact that the case was supposed to be sealed. The focus of the story was how Balducci's testimony will impact the upcoming criminal trial of Judge Bobby DeLaughter. According to Balducci, Judge DeLaughter became upset when he did not get a federal judge appointment after issuing rulings favorable to Richard Scruggs in the Scruggs v. Wilson litigation.
The Ledger ignored the large question of how Balducci's testimony will impact the huge Eaton v. Frisby case and the careers of some of the attorneys in that case. If it is determined that Ed Peters attempted to improperly influence Judge DeLaughter in the Eaton case, it could lead to state or federal criminal charges against Peters and others who he acted in concert with. It could also lead to the dismissal of the case and sanctions by the Court or Mississippi Bar against the lawyers who participated in any wrongdoing. The Eaton case is just as significant as the DeLaughter trial and the Clarion-Ledger should not ignore it.
