Penn State Scandal: University May Have Had Legal Presence In Perjury Hearing Of Tim Curley, Gary Schultz

As the perjury trials of former Penn State University administration Tim Curley and Gary Schultz approach, an interesting new wrinkle has developed regarding the University's involvement with a former hearing. According to Sara Ganim of the Patriot-News, the University may have had representation in the previous Grand Jury hearing of Curley and Schultz, even though there was no reason for them to really be there.

Curley and Schultz apparently brought Cynthia Baldwin into the initial grand jury hearing as their representation, even though she made it clear she was only representing the University. Even Baldwin's attorney understands how odd this is.

Davis agreed "it is unusual for a lawyer to be present at a grand jury." But, he said: "At a state grand jury in Pennsylvania, it is up to the discretion of the judge to permit a lawyer to be present. The judge asked Cynthia, ‘Who are you representing?' She said, the university. And he said, ‘You may listen if you wish.' She said, ‘Thank you.' "

Even lawyers representing the person under question are not necessary at Grand Jury hearings, but a lawyer who is not representing the client has no business being there. Baldwin is still not allowed to tell the University of the proceedings of that Grand Jury testimony, even though they are her client. But it could still have an effect on the upcoming perjury trials of Schultz and Curley.

For more on the Nittany Lions, please visit Black Shoe Diaries, SB Nation's Penn State blog.