SCOTUS Bribery Ruling Offers Chance to Undo Illinois Convictions

A recent US Supreme Court opinion has upended two highly publicized Illinois public-corruption cases involving former state House Speaker Mike Madigan (D), prompting the convicted felons’ lawyers to seek acquittals or new trials.

The high court held last month in Snyder v. United States that while federal law punishes state and local officials who accept bribes promised or provided before an official act takes place, it doesn’t make it illegal for those same officials to accept gratuities and “tokens of appreciation” after official acts occur. States may enact their own laws on gratuities if they choose, the high court ruled. ...