Analyst: Court Of Appeals To Rule Quickly On Porter Testimony

The Maryland Court of Appeals still has not ruled on whether Officer William Porter can be forced to testify in the trials of the other five officers accused in the death of Freddie Gray.



The Court heard oral arguments on Thursday, and promised an "expedited review," though the Court can rule any time before its term ends on June 1.



Porter's retrial on charges of manslaughter, assault, reckless endangerment and misconduct in office is scheduled for June 13.



University of Baltimore Law Professor Doug Colbert says he expects a quick decision from the Court of Appeals, with the decision coming down in the next few days if not weeks.



Colbert told Maryland's News This Week that in spite of the objections of Porter's attorneys the issue of whether prosecutors can offer immunity to a witness who is also a defendant is "settled law," and he believes the Court will allow Porter to testify, as long as prosecutors say nothing he says in his testimony can be used in his June retrial.



Colbert believes Porter's attorneys have made some "interesting arguments" but he feels that the Court of Appeals will not accept them.



Colbert said if Porter is forced to testify, Judge Barry Williams will likely hold a hearing before or during Porter's retrial, to make sure none of his previous testimony is being used against him