CHICAGO -
The jurors in the Conrad Black fraud trial have adjourned deliberations for the weekend without a verdict, after the judge told them they must rely on their own memories in reviewing testimony.
Judge Amy St. Eve refused a request from jurors Friday to see transcripts of testimony by Jonathan Rosenberg, a lawyer who in 2003 investigated complaints from shareholders in the Hollinger International newspaper group founded by Black.
"You must rely on your independent recollection of the testimony," St. Eve told the jury.
The request was the jury's fourth communication with the court since deliberations began Wednesday, following three months of testimony from dozens of witnesses and the presentation of hundreds of documents in evidence.
The jurors previously asked to see a breakdown of disputed non-compete payments made to Black, the other defendants and prosecution witness David Radler.
They have also twice informed the judge about scheduling concerns.
Three of the notes brought Black and his co-defendants back into the courtroom, since they are required to reconvene every time there's a jury note.
But St. Eve said Friday she had chosen not to call them in for one note requesting a smoke break the day before.
The jurors are expected back in court Monday to continue their deliberations.
Black and his co-defendants are alleged to have orchestrated a scheme to pocket about US$60 million in non-compete payments negotiated with buyers of Hollinger newspapers. Prosecutors say the money, meant to prevent the vendor from starting a competing publication, should have gone to company shareholders.
They also allege Black fraudulently misused $20 million in company funds on perks such as lavish parties, travel and a Manhattan apartment.
In all, there are 13 counts against Black, 11 against former Hollinger International executive Jack Boultbee and 10 against another former executive, Peter Atkinson, as well as eight against former company lawyer Mark Kipnis.
