Judge, lawyers discuss possible forfeiture penalty at Black trial

Lawyers in the Conrad Black fraud trial were back in a Chicago courtroom Tuesday discussing forfeiture penalties, while the jury continued its deliberations into a ninth day.

Judge Amy St. Eve recalled the lawyers to discuss how much Black and his co-defendants may have to repay if they are found guilty.

St. Eve said she wants to clarify instructions on the forfeiture in case the defendants decide to let the jury decide the financial penalty. The defendants can elect to have the judge or the jury decide how much money they may have to repay.

The prosecution wants forfeiture of $92 million US, if the men are convicted.

The Montreal-born Black and three associates, Jack Boultbee, Mark Kipnis and Peter Atkinson, are accused of defrauding Hollinger International shareholders of $60 million US through the use of so-called non-compete payments. The four men face a total of 42 charges.

The defendants pleaded not guilty, arguingthat the non-compete payments were legitimate.