dictionary

Attorneys spar over trial location in Skakel case

Michael Skakel

STAMFORD, Connecticut (CNN) -- Kennedy relative Michael Skakel appeared in court Thursday as attorneys sparred over whether his trial should be held here or moved to Bridgeport.

Citing convenience, prosecutors want to move the case to Bridgeport, about 25 miles north. Their offices are in Bridgeport. Defense attorneys object to the proposal.

"There is no reason why we should actively manipulate the mechanics of this case for the convenience of the state's attorney," said Michael Sherman, an attorney for Skakel.

ON THE SCENE CNN's Deborah Feyerick on the Skakel trial  FULL TEXT Decision to try Michael Skakel as an adult - January 31, 2001(FindLaw)(PDF format) Documents in PDF format require Adobe Acrobat Reader for viewing.

LEGAL RESOURCES Latest Legal News Law Library FindLaw Consumer Center Select a topic Bankruptcy Discrimination Divorce Estate Planning Landlord-Tenant Personal Injury Taxes

Assistant state's attorney Susan Gill said parts of the case have already been handled in Bridgeport, and the move would make sense.

Judge John F. Kavanewsky will issue a written ruling on the matter.

Skakel said nothing during the 35-minute hearing. Accompanied by a bodyguard, he entered Stamford Superior Court, sat down and stared straight ahead.

He spoke only with his defense team. He is charged with the 1975 killing of Greenwich neighbor Martha Moxley when both were 15 years old.

Defense attorneys are appealing an earlier ruling to try Skakel, now 40, as an adult in the case.

Skakel is the nephew of Ethel Kennedy, the widow of Robert F. Kennedy.

A probable cause hearing is scheduled for April 18, and the location is up to the judge.

Kennedy nephew arraigned in adult court
February 21, 2001
Kennedy nephew to face trial as adult in 1975 killing
January 31, 2001
Prosecutor says Skakel case may depend on switch to adult court
October 20, 2000
Report clears way for ruling on trial of Kennedy cousin in 1975 murder
October 5, 2000
Kennedy cousin ordered to stand trial in 1975 slaying
August 17, 2000
Conflicting testimony over whether Skakel confessed to killing
June 21, 2000
Witness says Kennedy relative confessed to 1975 killing
June 20, 2000
Arraignment today for Kennedy kin in girl's murder
February 8, 2000
Attorney: Skakel to be arraigned next month
January 20, 2000
Attorney: No evidence to tie Skakel to 1975 killing of girl
January 20, 2000
Kennedy kin free on bond after surrendering in girl's 1975 killing
January 19, 2000

The Martha Moxley Murder
Martha Moxley - The Unsolved Murder

Note: Pages will open in a new browser window

External sites are not endorsed by CNN Interactive.