The Rhode Island Supreme Court quashed a trial court order compelling Gov. Carcieri to testify in court on the issue of whether state police used excessive force in shutting down the Narragansett smoke shop and arresting many members of the tribe, injuring several people in the process.
Here is the decision.
From the Providence Journal (H/T Indianz):
“I’d rather eat peas, go to a dentist, and listen to Britney Spears sing than be a lawyer appearing before the state Supreme Court.
“These judges are tough. In questions and sideline commentary during oral arguments, they’re abrasive with all parties. At yesterday’s hearing on whether Governor Carcieri must testify in the coming Superior Court trial of Narragansett Indians arrested in the 2003 smoke shop raid, the justices first pounced on his lawyer, Marc DeSisto, and on Special Assistant Attorney General Pamela Chin, who was on the same side.
“Then they pounced as aggressively, if not more, on William Devereaux, lawyer for the Narragansetts. Then, when DeSisto rose for rebuttal, Chief Justice Frank Williams greeted him by chirping, “We’ll work you over, too.”
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