Vanderbilt Television News Archive

(Studio: Dan Rather) Washington, DC federal appeals court reported agreeing with President Reagan and Attorney General Edwin Meese regarding unconstitutionality of independent special prosecutors. Impact of ruling discussed; former White House aide Michael Deaver mentioned. Report introduced.

(DC: Rita Braver) Ruling's premise reported being constitutional separation of powers concept. Washington, DC court justices Laurence Silberman, Doug. Ginsburg and Stephen Williams' ruling quoted on screen. Ruling noted being pronounced during case of former Justice Department official Theodore Olson. Olson's role in 1983 Environmental Protection Agency scam mentioned being investigated by independent cncl. Alexia Morrison. Ruling's impact upon former White House aide Michael Deaver's conviction discussed. [DEAVER - says won't make any predictions.] [Deaver's attorney William GREENLAW - comments on independent cncl.] Deaver's prosecutor Whitney North Seymour quoted regarding Supreme Court action if necessary. Iran/Contra scandal council Lawrence Walsh's situation discussed. Indep. council James McKay mentioned continue to investigate Meese and prosecuting former White House aide Lyn Nofziger in Wedtech scandal. [McKAY - comments on ruling.] Nofziger mentioned planning to assert that some incriminating evidence gathered illegally. [NOFZIGER - says isn't displeased.] Congress's reactions discussed. President Richard Nixon's firing of Watergate independent cncl. Archibald Cox recalled; scenes shown. [Representative Patricia SCHROEDER - describes ruling.] Supreme Court noted ultimately deciding issue.

(Studio: Dan Rather; DC: Rita Braver) Ruling's impact upon other ongoing investigations discussed.

(Studio: Dan Rather; DC: Bill Plante) President Reagan's reaction to ruling detailed. President and Nancy Reagan mentioned hoping ruling will aid Deaver. Report introduced