CNN just reported that Fitz summarized the case for the GJ yesterday and

[Pirate Smile]

the case is now in the hands of the Grand Jury.

I caught the end of the report by Bob Franken.

Did anyone see any additional information reported by Franken?

edit to add - I just saw a thread on this info http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=104x5189641

[Dinger]

1. He Mentioned The Possibility Of An Extension, And That

that option wasn't likely. He didn't explain why it is unlikely, however.

[Dem Agog]

4. This AM Rachel Maddow mentioned...

She said that she didn't believe legally you could extend the same grand jury twice.

[Maddy McCall]

5. I think he can...

I heard another talking head say that he could.

[Sydnie]

9. I heard that he can ask for a new GJ but can't hold this one over

any longer. Asking to create a new one to continue the investigation (especially if they are going to dig deeper with this as a starting point) makes perfect sense. If he feels that there is more to do, then he should ask for a new GJ.

Renting new office space, bringing some of his staff from Chicago in recent days, meetings with the presiding judge and still interviewing Plame's neighbors (assuming the FBI did that at her request) are all good signs that he is not totally statisfied that he has found everything that needs to be found.

Just a thought ... what if the FBI were making those inquiries to Plame's neighbors for the defense instead of for the case. Wouldn't that be another misuse of a government agency?

[KharmaTrain]

15. You're Very Correct...One Other Detail

By sitting til the last possible minute before indictments are passed out, this enables Fitzgerald to play "let's make a deal" with principals and others involved in this case...offering plea bargains or "kinder treatment" if they get statements on record before the fact rather than later. This could really be putting the squeeze on a lot of lawyers and making stomaches even tighter.

Also...consider the all the new testimony and evidence that's come into play in the last couple weeks. Could be that "found" notebook of Judy's could open the door to the next investigation or other documents that haven't been disclosed.

This jury's time is up, but just like the Starr probe, Fitzgerald can go to the presiding judge and say he needs to expand or redefine his mandate that would require a new grand jury.

Either way, this sure doesn't sound like an investigation that's reaching an end, just a phase.

[Maddy McCall]

16. See post #11

[WyLoochka]

11. A Federal Grand Jury

Can sit for up to three years. This GJ has had one 6 month extension, I believe, for a total of 18 months. With the Judge's approval there can be 3 more, 6 month extensions.

At least that what I read last night.

[stop the bleeding]

2. Updates if possible for worker rats stuck in cubes. n/t

[skooooo]

3. so what exactly is the GJ deciding?

[Stephanie]

6. The GJ decides whether to issue indictments

But generally grand juries tend to go along with the prosecutor's request.

[Bernardo de La Paz]

7. Apparently, Fitzgerald has rented new bigger quarters across the street.

[OmmmSweetOmmm]

13. That is excellent news! eom

[willing dwarf]

8. Just in theory: If a Grand Jury doesn't indict...

could the same stuff be brought before a new grand jury or is it like a case that you can't be tried twice. Can you try to indict on the same evidence twice?

[Sydnie]

10. That is just what happened to Delay

They had "new evidence" that was brought to the new GJ and they actually added charges the second time around.

[WyLoochka]

12. YES - but it is rarely tried

by prosecutors, unless a whole lot of new evidence surfaces.

[LSdemocrat]

14. Maybe someone new flipped?

[Maddy McCall]

17. He would be able to bring it up again.

No, there's no "double jeopardy" law in grand jury proceedings.