Vanderbilt Television News Archive

(Studio: Tom Brokaw) Role of independent special prosecutors explained. President Jimmy Carter's aide Hamilton Jordan and Attorney Edwin Meese's investigations recalled. Report introduced.

(DC: Carl Stern) Washington, DC federal appeals court reported ruling independent special prosecutor role unconstitutional. Sucessful prosecution of Watergate cases by Archibald Cox and Leon Jaworski noted leading Congress to make independent special prosecutors permanent part of United States legal system. Former Justice Department official Theodore Olson's case noted being investigated by independent special prosecutor Alexia Morrison. Appeals court ruling quoted on screen. Separation of powers asserted being violated when independent special prosecutors are appointed [Ex- special prosecutor Philip LACOVARA - explains appointed of special prosecutors.] [Harvard Univ. spokesperson Laurence TRIBE - describes elimination of prosecutors.] Former White House aide Michael Deaver's situation discussed. [DEAVER - says won't make predictions.] Decision noted aiding neither Colonel Oliver North nor former White House aide Lyn Nofziger. Iran/Contra scandal special prosecutor Lawrence Walsh and Wedtech scandal special prosecutor James McKay noted accepting appts. from Justice Department Supreme Court mentioned asserting Justice Department appts. protect Walsh and McKay's investigations from challenge. [McKAY - dismisses decision's impact on investigation.] [Senator Robert BYRD - says independent council necessary.] Immediate appeal to Supreme Court reported being expected.