Madigan and his co-defendant – longtime confidant Michael McClain – are on trial on racketeering and bribery charges.
CHICAGO -- Former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan has taken the highly unusual step of testifying in his own defense at his federal corruption trial.The trial, which began with jury selection in early October, was drawing to a close at the Dirksen Federal Courthouse after 10 weeks of testimony.
Madigan spent a record 36 years as Speaker of the Illinois House of Representatives, where he wielded control over whether legislation would move forward in Springfield until he resigned in 2021.The former speaker's decision to testify came as a surprise, as defendants rarely testify in their own defense in federal corruption cases in Chicago, given that they open themselves to cross-examination from federal prosecutors.Former Chicago Ald.
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