How close a tie?

Abortion | The charges against abortionist George Tiller are narrow, but the effects of any verdict could be sweeping | Brian T. Johnson

Associated Press/Photo by Mike Hutmacher/The Wichita Eagle

WICHITA, Kan.—Anyone who doubts that abortion is a big business in America should have been at the trial of notorious late-term abortionist George Tiller in Wichita, Kan., last week.

Tiller sat with a half-dozen-member, high-powered criminal defense team at his side, including three lawyers—one a former U.S. attorney—and three aides. Kansas assistant attorney general Barry Disney sat alone at the prosecution table and occasionally exchanged a note with a nearby associate.

Tiller's team also had passion on its side. Disney was clearly committed to the case, but his courtroom demeanor was not marked by the same sharp tenacity as the defendant's lead counsel, Dan Monnat. The state seemed outgunned.