"Jussie Smollett's Appeal: Challenging Convictions for Hate Crime Fabrication"

Oral arguments were heard in Jussie Smollett's appeal of his convictions and sentence for fabricating a hate crime in 2019. The focus of the hearing was the 2019 proceeding where charges were dropped against Smollett, with his attorneys arguing that it constituted an agreement with prosecutors and that double jeopardy had attached when he forfeited his bail money. The attorneys also raised concerns about evidence withholding and the appointment of a special prosecutor. Prosecutors countered that dropping charges does not preclude refiling them, and that Smollett's case does not meet the criteria for double jeopardy. The case is now under advisement.