Electronic problems slow Sands Corp. lawsuit trial

Electronic problems in the courtroom Monday delayed what had been expected to be the final day of testimony for Las Vegas Sands Corp. President Bill Weidner in the civil lawsuit brought by a Hong Kong businessman who claims he is owned millions of dollars for helping the company win a lucrative Macau gaming license.

Testimony finally began late Monday afternoon.

Weidner spent four days testifying last week in Clark County District Court. His use of seven pages of handwritten notes he brought to the witness stand became the subject of a hearing out of the jury's presence on Monday.

James Pissanelli, an attorney for plaintiff Richard Suen, said the notes amounted to a script for his testimony. The notes included tips on how to testify in front of the jury, such as sighing while making a key point.

Las Vegas Sands attorney Rusty Hardin argued that the notes were covered under attorney-client privilege and, therefore, any question about them should be removed from the record.

District Judge Michelle Leavitt said the notes and issues stemming from them would remain part of the record because Weidner voluntarily took them with him to the witness stand and his testimony was similar to what was in the notes.

Suen is expected to take the stand today.