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The term “speaking indictment” refers to indictments that go beyond the Fed.R.Crim.P. 7(c)(1) requirement of a “plain, concise and definite written statement of the essential facts constituting the offense charged” — i.e., an indictment that does more than simply track the statutory charging language and state the who, what, when, where and the elements of the crime, the manner and means, and, for Section 371 conspiracies, overt acts. The use of speaking indictments is often justified as providing notice to defendants of allegations the absence of which might otherwise provoke pretrial motions to dismiss or for a bill of particulars. See Department of Justice (DOJ) Criminal Resource Manual at § 214 (“The [indictment] drafter must afford the defendant … a document … that is sufficiently descriptive to permit the defendant to prepare a defense, and to invoke the double jeopardy provision of the Fifth Amendment, if appropriate.”) (emphasis added). Indeed, prosecutors and courts often cite to “speaking indictments” as a reason to deny a defense motion for a bill of particulars. See, e.g., United States v. Schaefer, 2016 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 51897 *9-12 (N.D.Ind. April 19, 2016).
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Common Pitfalls In Personal Device Collection
By Marjorie Peerce and Marguerite O’Brien
Both the DOJ and the SEC have made it clear that they will look at company BYOD policies when assessing how to resolve matters under their purview. To avoid pitfalls — and sanctions — counsel must take proactive steps to ensure proper preservation and collection of personal mobile data and verify that clients comply.
FCPA Compliance Guidance for Global Businesses
By Cole Callihan
The Biden administration and its Justice Department have established countering corruption as a core U.S. national security interest. Companies with any international operations should ensure they have a robust written policy and compliance program focused on anti-bribery and corruption.
Regulators Want AI Companies to Respect Antitrust and Consumer Protection Laws
By Karen Hoffman-Lent and Kenneth Schwartz
The new era of AI technology has ushered in competition concerns alongside consumer-protection fears. Accordingly, regulators and lawmakers are taking note of the AI craze and are keen on ensuring that companies involved in AI are respecting both antitrust and consumer protection laws.
Will the Corporate Transparency Act Smother the Cannabis Industry?
By Steve Schain
The CTA requires business entities to file information on their “beneficial owners” with FinCEN, which, in turn, may disclose it to domestic and foreign law enforcement agencies, prosecutors, judges and financial institutions.