BOSTON (AP) — James "Whitey" Bulger's case is returning to court — minus the notorious Boston gangster himself.
The 1st U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Boston will hear oral arguments Monday from Bulger's lawyers, who are trying to overturn his racketeering convictions.
Bulger's attorneys contend his right to a fair trial was violated when a judge barred him from telling the jury about his claim that a federal prosecutor promised him immunity. The judge found that Bulger offered no hard evidence of an immunity deal.
Prosecutors say the evidence overwhelmingly showed Bulger's guilt and he shouldn't get a new trial.
Bulger was convicted in 2013 of participating in 11 murders in the 1970s and '80s. He is serving a life sentence in Florida and won't be present for the proceedings.
Bulger was wanted in connection with the 1981 murder of Tulsa businessman Roger Wheeler.
___