United States v. Edwin L. Cabra and Claude "Buddy" Leach

AINSWORTH, Circuit Judge:

This appeal raises the novel question whether a district judge can impound notes taken during a criminal trial by a paralegal employed by defense counsel to assist in preparation of the defense. We hold that in this case, the district judge acted improperly in impounding the notes.

Appellants Edwin L. Cabra and Claude “Buddy” Leach were tried in district court on charges of vote buying in connection with the November 7, 1978 general election. After three weeks of trial, appellants were acquitted on all counts. 1 Other charges against Leach alleging illegal receipt of…