Schuelke Report Released on Stevens Trial, Senator Murkowski Introduces Legislation

Coinciding with the Special Prosecutors report detailing the inept handling of Senator Ted Steven's trial that was made public today, Senator Murkowski introduced major bi-partisan legislation to discourage or prevent a repeat.

The report pointed out the cases of concealment that took place in the investigation and prosecution of former Alaska Senator Stevens. Lawyer, Henry Schuelke said the actions taken by the prosecution didn't amount to criminal contempt of court and didn't recommend charges being brought against the responsible parties.

The legislation today, Fairness in Disclosure of Evidence Act, is designed to create a standard for disclosure of exculpatory evidence nation-wide. The bill was co-sponsered by Daniel Inouye Democratic Senator from Hawaii, who said of Senator Murkowski and the bill she introduced, "I would like to thank Senator Murkowski for her leadership with the Fairness in Disclosure of Evidence Act,” Senator Inouye added, “This important piece of legislation will help establish uniform standards for prosecutorial disclosure. It is only fair.  Also, I sincerely hope that it will help to resolve a matter that has long injured our late and dear friend, my brother, Ted Stevens.”