"Whitey" Bulger Update: New judge bars use of immunity defense at trial

(AP) BOSTON - The new judge presiding over the James "Whitey" Bulger case has granted prosecutors' motion to bar the reputed Boston mobster from arguing immunity at trial.

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Judge Denise Caspar on Thursday upheld a decision by the case's previous judge, who was removed because of the possible appearance of a conflict of interest.

Caspar ruled "any alleged immunity agreement ... is a bar to prosecution to be determined by the court and not a defense to the crimes charged."

Bulger's lawyers argued they should be able to present a trial defense claiming that a now-dead law enforcement official gave Bulger immunity from prosecution.

The 83-year-old Bulger is scheduled to go on trial next month for his connection to 19 slayings. He has pleaded not guilty.

Read complete coverage of the "Whitey" Bulger case on Crimesider