- 251 - array, inasmuch as the remaining test cases provided full coverage of the Kersting programs and taxable years in dispute. Under the circumstances, we must weigh the impact of the Government misconduct in the Cravens cases on two levels. First, because Mr. McWade led Mr. Cravens to believe that he did not need counsel at the trial of the test cases, we must consider whether Mr. Cravens' pro se status (and attendant lack of preparation and organization) was material to the outcome in the trial of the test cases. Second, because Judge Goffe might have removed the Cravens cases from the test case array if he had known that they had been settled, we must consider whether Mr. Cravens' testimony was material to the outcome in Dixon II. As discussed in greater detail below, we are convinced that the outcome in Dixon II would not have been different irrespective of whether Mr. Cravens had been represented at trial by competent counsel or whether Judge Goffe would have excluded Mr. Cravens' testimony in its entirety. i. Sham Analysis We will assume that, but for Mr. McWade's interference, Mr. Cravens would have appeared at the trial of the test cases with counsel and testified (consistent with the testimony of the other test case petitioners) that he participated in the Kersting programs with a view towards making a profit and that his promissory notes constituted genuine indebtedness. Nevertheless, on the basis of our review of Dixon II, we are convinced thatPage: Previous 241 242 243 244 245 246 247 248 249 250 251 252 253 254 255 256 257 258 259 260 Next
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