Word: sirica
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...framed with the aid of Special Prosecutor Leon Jaworski and his staff, the Watergate grand jury took on its own initiative a step that portends serious consequences for the President. In a hushed and tense Washington courtroom, Jury Foreman Vladimir Pregelj delivered a sealed report to Federal Judge John Sirica. The judge solemnly opened the envelope, quickly scanned a covering letter, then resealed it. Without a word on when?or if?the contents would be made public, Sirica ordered the envelope locked in a courthouse safe...
Undoubtedly at the grand jury's direction, members of Jaworski's staff also gave to Sirica a locked and bulging briefcase. It is believed to contain transcripts of White House tape recordings, documents and other evidence that was gathered painstakingly?and often despite dogged resistance from Nixon?by Jaworski and his fired predecessor, Archibald Cox. The evidence almost certainly is meant to support any charges made in the report against Nixon. The briefcase is also expected to reach the House impeachment investigators if that should be the course Sirica elects...
...Sirica has several options in handling the sealed report and the apparently explosive evidence now in his possession. He can order it promptly dispatched to the House Judiciary Committee?a move seen as most probable...
...could issue subpoenas directly to Jaworski for the material. Jaworski would probably seek a ruling from Sirica on whether he should comply with the subpoena, and Judiciary Committee staffers believe that the White House might have some difficulty demonstrating a legal right to intervene...
...further compliance with Jaworski's requests for evidence could indicate that it will also resist efforts by the Judiciary Committee to get important documents. Some investigators believe that a key to prompt turnover of the evidence held by Jaworski lies in making the necessary legal moves while Sirica, who has vividly demonstrated his desire to expose the full Watergate truth, is still chief judge. He must step down on March 19, his 70th birthday, becoming a senior judge of the U.S. District Court in Washington, D.C. Then he would no longer automatically handle committee motions to acquire evidence...