Whether the political corruption conviction of former Democratic power Sheldon Silver should stand took front and center Thursday as a federal appeals court explored what it means when a politician takes “official action” as part of a quid pro quo.
For nearly 90 minutes, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit peppered defense lawyer Steven Molo and Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew Goldstein with questions about Silver, convicted in 2015 of trading grant money and legislation in exchange for law firm referral fees.
