Fani Willis "Bombshell" Likely a Dud

WASHINGTON - March 9, 2024 - PRLog -- Those hoping to derail ordelay the prosecution of Trump by Fulton Georgia DA Fani Willis are touting what they claim might be evidence of perjury, obstruction of justice, but this "bombshell" may well prove to be a dud, says public interest law professor John Banzhaf.

A new legal filing quotes an attorney claiming that she overheard a telephone conversation in which Willis allegedly said to prosecutor Nathan Wade that "they are coming after us.  You don't need to talk to them about anything about us."

While it's conceivable that she was suggesting that he conceal some crime, or at least an unlawful conflict of interest, it is at least as likely that she was simply giving him the same advice any competent lawyer or knowledgeable lay person would provide to any person being investigated.

"Anything you say may be used against you" is standard advice for anyone who might be the target of any kind of investigation; the kind of advice I would give a friend or family member if they suspect that someone is nosing around about them, says Banzhaf.

As any lawyer who, like Banzhaf, has dealt with wrongdoing by politicians and others in the public limelight, attempts to cover up even minor indiscretions, much less serious wrongdoings, is often far worse and proves to be much more harmful in the long run than the original matter being covered up, he notes.

Moreover, the law professor suggests that what many see as a conflict of interest possibly warranting Willis' removal from Trump's prosecution may not be a conflict of interest after all.

If a prosecutor has such a relationship with a defendant, it would create a clear conflict of interest; the prosecutor would face a conflict between his zeal to obtain a conviction, and his concern for harming or angering his paramour which might create an incentive him to throw the case or at least to not prosecute as vigorously

But in contrast, Willis and Wade are on the same side and have the same goal; to convict Trump, not only because that is their duty as prosecutors, but also because it will enhance their reputations, lead to lucrative book deals, etc.

If Wade tries even harder to convict Trump out of his love for Willis, it's not a conflict at all - it only provides him with an even stronger incentive to do what he already wants to do, and which he is required by law to do, says Banzhaf.

By way of full disclosure, Banzhaf filed the criminal complaint which led to Trump's prosecution by Willis:

Law Professor's Complaint Leads to Investigation Into Trump's 'Find 11,800 Votes' Call (https://www.law.com/dailyreportonline/2021/02/09/law-prof...)

http://banzhaf.net/   jbanzhaf3ATgmail.com   @profbanzhaf