Lawyers for ex-Ald. Ed Burke move for mistrial over ‘corrupt’ comment from witness

Lawyers for former Chicago Ald. Edward Burke have filed a formal motion for a mistrial in his high-profile corruption case, arguing a witness’ off-the-cuff remark that Burke’s actions seemed “corrupt” has tainted the jury and violated Burke’s due process rights.

The motion by attorneys Joseph Duffy and Chris Gair filed shortly before 7 a.m. is expected to be discussed in court before the trial resumes Thursday for an 8th day of testimony. Co-defendants Peter Andrews Jr. and Charles Cui have joined in the motion.

The lawyers argued in the filing thatcritical, ultimate issue in the case before the jury.”