Debate over the question

Much of the talk and speculation up here on the 11th floor today has centered around the question the jury had for the judge yesterday.

What does "color of official right" mean?

I spoke with Memphis Flyer political writer and analyst Jackson Baker to get his thoughts.

"That was, to my mind, a turn to the prosecution. They seem to be asking for boundary lines on a possible count they might uphold. Had they asked for a definition for entrapment that would have been a good sign for the defense. The likelihood of a hung jury seems to have reduced a little," says Baker.

There is also talk about what the judge might do if the jury tells him they cannot come to a unanimous decision. You'll remember during a recent high profile case involving former Shelby County Medical Examiner O.C. Smith, the jury came back to say they simply couldn't reach a decision. The judge told them to give it another shot.

Of course, all of this is speculation. There are lots of folks up here with lots of time ... and blog space to fill.