Jury Selection Commences in First Criminal Trial Against Ex-US President Trump
TL/DR –
Donald Trump’s first criminal trial began in New York state court on April 15, 2024, where he is charged with 34 counts of falsifying business records, stemming from allegations that he authorized hush money payments to Stormy Daniels on the eve of the 2016 Presidential Election. The trial commenced with pretrial motions, followed by jury selection, with the jury consisting of 12 jurors and 6 alternates, who are to remain anonymous throughout the proceedings. The Judge overseeing the trial, Juan Merchan, set a separate hearing for April 23, 2024, regarding allegations that Trump violated a partial gag order prohibiting him from speaking publicly about witnesses, prosecutors, court staff, and jurors involved in the case.
Donald Trump’s First Criminal Trial Commences in New York State Court
On April 15, 2024, Donald Trump’s first criminal trial initiated in New York State Court. Trump faces 34 felony counts for falsifying business records, linked to allegations of hush money payments to Stormy Daniels prior to the 2016 Presidential Election. Accusations suggest Trump authorized these payments to maintain campaign information concealed from voters.
Photo: Jabin Botsford/Pool/Getty Images
Jury Selection and Pretrial Motions Underway in Trump’s Criminal Trial
The proceedings commenced with pretrial motions presented by prosecutors and Trump’s defense. Then, jury selection began, with 12 jurors and 6 alternates chosen to remain anonymous during the trial for their protection.
Trump’s Alleged Violation of Partial Gag Order to be Heard by NY Judge
Judge Juan Merchan scheduled an April 23, 2024 hearing on claims that Trump violated a partial gag order in this case. The order forbids Trump from public statements about witnesses, prosecutors, court staff, and jurors involved in this case, along with their families.
Merchan noted that Trump’s past attacks on judges and witnesses could risk disorder in the courtroom, but did not restrict Trump from commenting on DA Bragg or Judge Merchan.
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