Defense counsel for former New York Lt. Gov. Brian Benjamin are seeking the intervention of the U.S. Supreme Court to determine whether a heightened quid pro quo standard is necessary for certain corruption cases. The writ of certiorari, submitted by Barry Berke, Dani James, and Darren LaVerne of Kramer Levin Naftalis & Frankel, contends that government overreach in this area threatens to chill political activity protected by the First Amendment.
“This case presents an extreme example of that overreach, in an area of law that demands clarity yet has become perilously muddled,” the writ asserts, emphasizing the need for Supreme Court clarity on the issue. You can read further details in the New York Law Journal.