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CNN's Deborah Feyerick on the Skakel trial

CNN Correspondent Deborah Feyerick is covering the trial of Michael Skakel, accused of killing his neighbor Martha Moxley in 1975, when they were both 15. Skakel is the nephew of Ethel Kennedy, the widow of Sen. Robert F. Kennedy.

CNN:What happened in today's hearing?

Feyerick: Prosecutors want to move this case from Stamford, Connecticut, to Bridgeport. They argue that the Stamford judicial district was not even created until October 1981, six years after the murder of 15-year-old Martha Moxley. They say cases like murder were being tried in Bridgeport and not in Stamford at that time.

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CNN:What difference will the different venue make?

Feyerick: The prosecution says that is the proper courthouse to have this hearing because that is historically where it would have been tried, but also it is a matter of convenience because prosecutors are based in Bridgeport.

CNN:What did Skakel's attorneys argue?

Feyerick: Skakel's attorneys do not want the case moved. They say there was never any written rule about transferring cases between the two courthouses, that it was something that was established while the Stamford court was getting going, and that within a year of the Stamford court being created, no cases were being transferred.

CNN:When is a ruling expected?

Feyerick: Well, the judge will issue a written ruling and that could come at any time.

CNN:Does either side think the venue will affect the outcome of the trial?

Feyerick: Skakel's attorney was very quick to point out that neither side is asking for this case to be transferred because of the feeling that Skakel could not be tried by a jury of his peers.

As a matter of fact, Michael Sherman, Skakel's lawyer, says that he feels a jury in both places could equally serve or judge his client. But he feels that there is no reason why the court should, in his words, artificially manipulate the mechanics of the case for the convenience of the state's attorney.

Attorneys spar over trial location in Skakel case
March 1, 2001
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

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