What is certain is that an appearance on the witness stand by a sitting Prime Minister at a criminal trial will not enhance the Conservative Party’s reputation for law, order and good government. Even if he has nothing to hide, it is probable that a different version of events would emerge under oath than the one recounted to MPs in the House of Commons. There, it is assumed prime ministers tell the truth, but rarely the whole truth and nothing but the truth. Rob Walsh, the retired former law clerk to House of Commons, says it is possible Mr. Harper could invoke parliamentary privilege to evade taking the stand, although it does not generally apply to criminal matters, particularly a case where an MP or senator is subject to proceedings. But a non-appearance would risk criticism and possible mistrial – Mr. Duffy’s legal team would surely call for their client to be exonerated if a key witness failed to show. John Iverson.
Posted on: Fri, 18 Jul 2014 17:06:55 +0000
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