[From the Disposition: . . . the Appeals Chamber affirms the Trial Chamber’s imposition of defense counsel, but reverses its Order on Modalities. On remand, the Trial Chamber should craft a working regime that minimizes the practical impact of the formal assignment of counsel, except to the extent required by the interests of justice. At a minimum, this regime must be rooted in the default presumption that, when he is physically capable of doing so, Milosevic will take the lead in presenting his case – choosing which witnesses to present, questioning those witnesses before Assigned Counsel has an opportunity to do so, arguing any proper motions he desires to present to the court, giving a closing statement when the defense rests, and making the basic strategic decisions about the presentation of his defense. But this presumption is just that: a presumption. Under the current circumstances, where Milosevic is sufficiently well to present a vigorous, two-day opening statement, it was an abuse of discretion to curtail his participation in the trial so dramatically on the grounds of poor health. . . .

Sounds almost jake, huh.

But what kind of a deal is the Trib trying to strike here? And what would be the moral cost of Milosevic's taking them up on this? Would he be recognizing the court? It seems to this kangaroo-watcher that they're still trying to weasel--even trick--some kind of endorsement out of the President. But what do I know: I just played shysters on TV. --mc]   more »