WTVM.com and WTVM News Leader 9, Columbus, GA | Legal analyst explains Lockhart case
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Sept. 8, 2008
OPELIKA, Ala. (WTVM) - The latest ruling in the capital murder case against Courtney Lockhart came Monday morning as a response to just one of many motions introduced before Lockhart goes to trial.
"There are actions, motions, that you'll always file because when a man's life is at risk in a capital murder case, the Supreme Court expects certain abilities of things to do be done by the defense attorney," Walter Northcutt, an attorney and legal analyst said. "One is to make sure all possible motions were filed," he added.
On September 3rd, Lockhart's attorneys requested that Judge Jacob Walker remove himself from the case. The defense claims that Walker along with other Lee County judges may have family and social ties to Auburn University. The judge ruled against their request in a statement released Monday morning.
The defense plans to appeal the decision. "I don't think that motion would hold up on an appeal or be a reason for him to excuse himself," Northcutt said. I don't think his ties are any more than most people". he added.
We can expect the legal process to be a lengthy one. It's not uncommon for high profile murder cases to extend three to four years. "Nick Abbott and his staff did a good job getting everything together and we need not to get anxious or frustrated that its not going fast enough,"Northcutt said.
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