Kaczynski’s Rift With Lawyers Outlined

Court documents filed last week shed more light on the apparent rift between Unabomber defendant Theodore Kaczynski and his defense attorneys, just days before opening statements are scheduled.

The nature of the dispute has not been detailed, but there are indications that the former mathematics professor is unhappy with his lawyers’ attempt to base his defense at least in part on mental illness.

The issue was discussed in private between U.S. District Judge Garland Burrell Jr. and federal defenders Quin Denvir and Judy Clarke. Burrell indicated that Kaczynski had submitted letters--which remain under seal--expressing concerns about his defense.

Partial transcripts of the discussions were released at Burrell’s order.

Denvir told Burrell that the problem “had a long history,” and he described Kaczynski’s position as “pretty firm.”

“This is obviously a major problem. We are all very unhappy and sad to be in this position, but we are in the position,” Denvir said, according to one transcript.

The discussions--one telephone conference call and two in-chambers meetings--occurred on Dec. 18, 19 and 22.

Kaczynski, 55, has refused to submit to a psychiatric examination by the government’s doctors. That could bar Kaczynski from introducing mental defect evidence in his own behalf.

He is charged in a 10-count indictment with crafting bombs that killed two people in Sacramento and maimed two others. He has pleaded not guilty and faces the death penalty if convicted.