(Image source: The Daily Caller)

BY: YOUYOU ZHOU

Thirty-six years after the Watergate Scandal, the public will soon be able to read the secret grand jury testimony of the former President Richard Nixon.

That is -- if the government doesn’t appeal a judge’s decision on the issue.

“...a judge says this morning that it's time to release President Richard Nixon’s Watergate testimony. Back in June 1975, the former president testified to a grand jury about the Watergate break-in that ended up forcing them to resign from office. But the nearly 300 pages won't be available right away. That's because the government wants time to appeal the ruling. The Obama administration opposed the transcript release because some people discussed in it are still alive.” (KTTV)

But Chief U.S. District Judge Royce Lamberth agreed -- the information contained the testimony is more important.

“The judge agreed with historians arguing the historical significance outweighs arguments for secrecy with the investigation long over and Nixon dead for 17 years. Historians say the testimony could clear up an ongoing debate over Nixon's knowledge of the Watergate break-in.” (KABC)

Politico speculates over what the testimony would contain.

“Nixon’s testimony came in response to a request by Watergate Special Prosecutor Henry Ruth… Nixon was questioned about the alteration of transcripts of White House conversations, the 18-and-a-half-minute gap in a taped conversation with Haldeman just days after the break-in, and the extent of Nixon’s use of the IRS to harass his political opponents.”

One university professor and Nixon expert tells BBC -- the beauty of grand jury testimony is, Nixon probably let it all out.

"Nixon knew when you testified before a grand jury you exposed yourself to perjury, so I'm betting he told the truth. Now, what did he tell the truth about? I don't know."

Finally, a writer for CinemaBlend says -- whatever your opinion of Nixon, it’ll at least be interesting to read what he had to say for himself.

“He was paranoid, secretive and occasionally beset by awful decision making, but he also greatly improved relations with China, founded the EPA and strong-armed the South until the schools were fully integrated. ...Unfortunately, he will always be known for Watergate, his lowest moment. That being said, I want to read his testimony just as much as anyone else interested in history.”

A Justice Department spokesman says government attorneys are reviewing the ruling.

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Transcript by Newsy.