Yesterday I summarized Andrew Feinberg’s article in The Independent with a series of bullet points. One of those bullet points was that Rudy Giuliani’s recent interview with prosecutors on Jack Smith’s team was a “Queen For the Day” session. Here’s what that means.
Discussions between prosecutors and defense counsel over a potential plea agreement can reach an impasse caused by a chicken and egg type of problem. Prosecutors desire to make their concessions based partially on the value of the information the target can provide. However, the target doesn’t want to reveal all without getting any concessions.
One resolution of this dilemma can be the “Queen For the Day” or “proffer session.” In it the target comes in for what is regarded as an informal interview, though you can be sure he is accompanied by counsel, and tells prosecutors what he will be able tell them if they secure his cooperation. It is understood that what the “Queen” says won’t be usable in court and can’t be used against him in charging or the investigation. It is also regarded as essential that the “Queen” be completely truthful and forthcoming.
If, as Feinberg reported, Giuliani’s meeting with prosecutors was indeed a “Queen For the Day” session, it almost certainly means Giuliani knows prosecutors intended to charge him and that his lawyers have been in negotiations to reach a plea agreement that includes his cooperation. It also likely means those negotiations are in their final stages.
You may have noticed that Giuliani has for sometime now gone atypically quiet. This may explain that too.