Scathing Ruling in North Case

WASHINGTON — Oliver L. North’s contention that he cannot be prosecuted for lying about his role in the Iran-Contra affair reveals a cynical and “skewed attitude” toward government, U.S. District Judge Gerhard A. Gesell said today in denying defense motions to dismiss charges that the former National Security Council aide obstructed President Reagan’s November, 1986, inquiry into the Iran-Contra affair by destroying documents and lying to then-Atty. Gen. Edwin Meese III.

North “fails to appreciate the gravity of his alleged conduct,” Gesell wrote in a scathing opinion that denounced the retired Marine lieutenant colonel’s contention that no laws were broken when he lied to Meese and destroyed documents. “Ours is a country governed by the rule of law. There is nothing in the Constitution, federal statutes or applicable decisions which warrants this cynical approach.”