Risky defense strategy "is so crazy, it just might work”
BAGHDAD - Saddam Hussein told the judge presiding over his trial to “go to hell” today, employing a risky strategy experts say rarely works. Professor Cass R. Sunstein of the University of Chicago Law School said this type of behavior is to be expected from defendants still learning how to deal with a newly-formed Western style judiciary. “Threats and curses have their place in the courtroom, but if you’re looking for relief from the bench, a kind word and a bribe are far more effective than obscenities,” said Sunstein.
Hussein, on trial for exterminating a village in 1982, conceded that he might have “anger management issues.” After his latest outburst, he told the court that he has tried transcendental meditation, jogging, and ceramics, but nothing helps him relieve stress "like killing people.” Professor Sunstein expressed doubts over the controversial admission of guilt tactic employed by the Hussein defense team, but said, “It’s so crazy, it just might work.”
At the close of the ten-hour session, Hussein presented a number of motions to Chief Judge Wapner. Among them were a “Motion to Return Myself to Power,” a “Motion for Change of Underwear” and a “Motion to Be Given a Machine Gun.” Judge Wapner said he would rule on those motions before the end of the week.
