Black Watch: Today’s Top Stories

A day off from court proceedings produced a wave of enthusiasm and creativity at the Star. Rick Westhead reports on the importance of body language in the courtroom. Normally, this would elicit groans and yadda yaddas, but Westhead dug up some interesting examples, including a quite telling moment between defence attorney Edward Genson and prosecutor Ed Siskel. Jennifer Wells reports on the ongoing discrepancy between the amount of money the prosecution alleges Black et al defrauded shareholders ($60 million) and the amount widely reported in the press ($84 million). It’s one of the better efforts so far at explication and clarification.

The Globe’s Paul Waldie previews the appearance of former Hollinger Inc. CFO Fred Creasey. His testimony for the prosecution may (assuming Judge St. Eve allows it) introduce facts concerning management fees paid by Hollinger International to Black’s holding company Ravelston. Creasey could touch on the same territory as the much-discussed Breeden report, which has so far been ruled inadmissible. The Japan Times has an opinion piece suggesting the Black case further highlights the need for regulatory reform of U.S. markets to protect shareholders from autocratic proprietors. Et tu, Nippon?