By Alabama Public Radio
Montgomery, AL – A two day hearing concludes today on whether to reduce or throw out a 11-point-9 billion dollar verdict against Exxon Mobil for defrauding the state out of natural gas royalties.
Yesterday, Exxon attorneys said jurors involved in the verdict were biased by the state's budget crisis, and presented hundreds of news reports they say may have influenced the jury's decision. But the Montgomery County Circuit judge Tracey McCooey said Exxon attorneys failed to raise the budget crisis issue when selecting the jury, and that the issue has "absolutely zero to do with punitive damages in the case.
McCooey will decide by March 22nd whether to reduce or throw out the verdict. Both sides are expected to appeal that decision to the Alabama Supreme Court.