We are deeply disappointed by the conviction last week of former NYS Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver (see Marc Gronich’s column on page 20 for details). No lawmaker sponsored more legislation protecting Jewish rights than Mr. Silver, and for decades we have proudly reported on his remarkable achievements.
In our view, the jury erred in its guilty verdict, relying on evidence that we believe only tenuously, at best, linked him to criminal acts. The case was also a complicated one for a jury, raising serious questions as to how vague federal laws should be interpreted. We look forward to the appeals courts for needed clarification and a reversal of the flawed conviction.
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