Argument Begins Over Stevens' Motion For Acquittal

Court is back in session in Sen. Ted Stevens' corruption trial, and prosecutors and defense attorneys are squaring off over the Alaska Republican's motion for acquittal.

Stevens' attorneys, pushing a six-pronged argument, claim that the prosecution has failed to show that Stevens engaged in any criminal behavior or received an improper gift. Defense counsel want Judge Emmet Sullivan to end this case right now, and they are reviewing their motion with Sullivan now. Prosecutors will get their chance to argue against dismissal later, and Judge Sullivan is expected to rule quickly on the defense motion.

The prosecution has rested its case, and if Judge Sullivan doesn't throw out the case, the defense will begin calling its witnesses. Sen. Daniel Inouyer (D-Hawaii), Stevens' closest friend in the Senate, is scheduled to testify later today.