DENVER -- Former University of Colorado professor Ward Churchill is suing to get his job back, saying he was fired over an essay he wrote about the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks. The university argues that he was fired because of plagiarism, fabrication and other research misconduct. 7NEWS Reporter Steve Saunders is blogging live from the trial.

9:53 a.m.

Closing arguments are now underway. Churchill attorney David Lane told jurors the decision they are going to make is one of the most important in their lives.

He called former Gov. Bill Owens a liar who came into the courtroom and lied to the jurors.

Owens testified that he never threatened to retaliate against CU if the didn't fire Churchill. Former CU President Betsy Hoffman said Owens did threaten her.

The charges against Churchill, Lane said, are "bogus." He calls the investigation a charade.

10:30 a.m.

David Lane has finished his initial closing argument. It is now the turn of CU attorney Patrick O'Rourke.

O'Rourke told jurors that Churchill's case was built on first amendment fraud. He said there was overwhelming evidence that Churchill had committed academic fraud.

Lane came back for some closing remarks.

Lane told jurors that Churchill was fired because he challenged the master narrative and was a threat to people like former Gov. Bill Owens and former CU President Hank Brown.

11:50 a.m.

The jury has now begun deliberations in the Ward Churchill trial.

University attorney Patrick O'Rourke said Churchill's firing was fair and that he is using a free speech argument "to excuse his own fraud."