The McVeigh Execution: Decision Day

As Judge Richard Matsch gets set to decide whether to accpet a delay in Timothy McVeigh's executions, signs are that the case could be in for a long summer. The story so far: Last Thursday, after meeting with their client in Terre Haute, Indiana, lawyers for the convicted bomber announced they would seek a delay of McVeighs June 11th execution date. Defense attorney Robert Nigh called the decision to request more time was "difficult" for McVeigh, who was "ready to die." Friday morning, McVeighs legal team filed a 300-plus page brief with the cases original trial judge, U.S. District Judge Richard Matsch, asking for a delay and also requesting a hearing on their assertion that the FBI continues to withhold documents.

Monday, federal prosecutors responded by asking the courts to dismiss McVeigh's request for a stay, calling the convicted bomber "undeniably guilty." The government insists the new documents have no bearing on McVeigh's role in the deadly 1995 bombing.

Back in Washington, U.S Attorney General John Ashcroft continues his opposition to the delay. "Based on the overwhelming evidence and McVeigh's own repeated admissions, we know that he is responsible for this crime and we will continue to pursue justice by seeking to carry out the sentence that was determined by a jury," Ashcroft told reporters Thursday.

Despite public outcry against their client, who has, since his conviction, confessed to the bombing, McVeighs lawyers continue to push their case. Thursday, Nigh insisted that the government must be held accountable for committing "a fraud upon the court" by withholding documents from the defense team.

TIMEs Justice Department correspondent Elaine Shannon spoke with TIME.com Thursday. She weighed in on McVeighs chances for a delay — and on the continuing fallout from the FBIs foul-up.

TIME.com: Do you think McVeigh will get his delay?

Elaine Shannon:The general consensus is that Judge Matsch will grant a stay just to make sure mainstream America believes the process allowed McVeigh to get his day in court.

Will we have to wait long to find out?

One of the lawyers who was formerly with prosecution team said Thursday he would not be surprised to see U.S. District Judge Richard Matsch rule in favor of McVeigh as early as next week. A hearing has been scheduled for Wednesday.

Was there anything surprising about McVeighs request?

I think the most interesting part of todays announcement is that McVeighs lawyers are suggesting the documents they are receiving or should have received could corroborate conspiracy theories that there was a mastermind behind the bombing plot. And that leaves open the possibility that the mastermind is still out there.

Would that kind of revelation change McVeighs fate?

In terms of McVeighs punishment or trial, it doesnt make any difference if there were other people involved. Legally, if another person is also found guilty of participating in the bombing, that doesnt make McVeigh innocent.

You mentioned that McVeigh will get something out of this request even in the very unlikely case that its denied. What did you mean by that?

At this point, the key for McVeigh is planting the idea that the FBI totally overlooked a mass murderer or two or three. By suggesting such a foul-up, McVeigh can accomplish what he set out to do in the first place: Wreak psychological havoc on the establishment.