Mr. Hardin's mistake was not as bad as it is made out. He had completed examining the last witness for his side and rather than pass the witness to the defense for cross examination, he rested his case. The defense had the option of objecting and cross examining the witness but opted instead to forego cross and introduce a motion to immediately vote to dismiss specific charges. The motion was rejected by the Senators and the defense started putting on their case. Embarrassing procedural move but no damage to his case.