Edwards is on trial for allegedly misusing campaign donations, nearly $1 million of them, to cover expenses of his mistress and the mother of his child, Rielle Hunter. He is accused of using the money to cover up the nature of their relationship during his 2007 and 2008 campaign. Many have criticized Edwards’s affair, noting that his own wife was sick with cancer at the time.
Edwards’ lawyers, while not denying the substance of the charges, are making a case that the law is undefined as to how campaign donations may be used.
The various trials related to the case have been a bit messy so far, with a dispute over a sex tape involving Edwards and his mistress, which fell into the hands of Edwards’ aide Andrew Young, who had initially said he was the father of Hunter’s child. The tape has been court-ordered to be destroyed.
U.S. District Judge Catherine C. Eagles ruled Thursday for the trial to begin in April, with Jury selection on April 12, and presentation of evidence on April 23, with the trial wrapping up in about 6 weeks.