Despite misgivings, judge allows two Oregon standoff defendants to represent themselves

Despite Ryan Bundy's repeated "contempt for the court process'' and failure to grant a blanket assurance that he'll follow the court's orders during trial, U.S. District Judge Anna J. Brown said she'd give him "the benefit of the doubt'' and allow him to continue to represent himself.

The judge also said co-defendant Kenneth Medenbach could continue to act as his own lawyer, but Medenbach promised to adhere to the judge's rulings.

"I will abide by whatever you want me to do now,'' Medenbach told Brown on Tuesday.

The judge indicated she found both had repeatedly defied her rulings and showed "persistent and willful violations of court orders'' in preparation for trial.

Read more: http://www.oregonlive.com/oregon-standoff/2016/08/despite_misgivings_federal_jud.html