Packed courtroom for Kilpatrick trial as judge takes the bench

We’re minutes away from opening statements. Kilpatrick is seated at the defense table, wearing a bow tie and glasses. U.S. District Judge Nancy Edmunds just took the bench and is discussing housekeeping issues with the 14 federal prosecutors and defense lawyers seated in her 8th floor courtroom. The 18-member jury just entered the courtroom.

Lawyers for the government and each of the four defendants are expected to deliver opening statements, which should wrap up today.

Robert Snell
Robert Snell is the Detroit News federal courts reporter. He can be reached at rsnell@detnews.com or (313) 222-2028.