Trump’s NY Hush Money Trial Progresses: Key Details
TL/DR –
Jury selection has continued in the criminal trial of former US President Donald Trump in the State of New York. Prospective jurors are being asked if they can be fair and impartial in the face of widespread public opinion about Trump. The trial, expected to last six to eight weeks, centres on Trump pleading not guilty to 34 counts of falsifying business records relating to a hush money payment to a porn star during the 2016 presidential election.
Jury Selection Continues in People v. Trump Case
On Tuesday, the jury selection continued in the People of the State of New York v. Donald Trump – making it the first criminal trial of a former president.
Quest for Fair and Impartial Jury
The quest to assemble 12 jurors and six alternates advanced on Tuesday with Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg’s office and Trump’s attorney questioning potential jurors about their ability to remain “fair and impartial” towards the polarising former president.
The Case is Not a Referendum on Trump’s Presidency
Prosecutor Joshua Steinglass emphasized that the case is not a referendum on Trump’s presidency but about whether he broke the law. He urged jurors to separate believability from likability.
Trump’s Attorney Questions Potential Jurors
Trump’s attorney Todd Blanche inquired about jurors’ feelings towards his client. Some responses revolved around focusing on the presented facts and not the individual.
Reactions of Potential Jurors
Trump sat listening to a diverse group of New Yorkers. Some expressed their friends’ negative opinions of him, others shared neutral or positive sentiments such as finding him fascinating or recalling his old NBC show “The Apprentice”.
Elimination of Biased Jurors
Individuals expressing inability to remain impartial were excused from the selection process. These included a man claiming unconscious bias due to his Texas origin and Republican surroundings, and a woman who believed she couldn’t remain unbiased.
Trump’s Engagement in the Process
Trump was seen engaged in discussions with his lawyers, observing the questioning of jurors, and reacting to select comments.
Trump’s Participation in the Trial
As the presumptive Republican nominee for president, Trump has to attend the trial that may last up to eight weeks. He has pleaded not guilty to 34 counts of falsifying business records, related to a hush money payment during the 2016 presidential election campaign, which could lead to a four-year prison sentence.
The Case’s Impact on Trump’s Schedule
Trump and his attorney raised concerns about the trial conflicting with his political commitments and appearances at the Supreme Court, which Judge Merchan rebuffed stating Trump’s requirement to be present at the trial.
Contentions between Prosecutors and Trump’s Team
Several issues were raised by lawyers on Monday, delaying jury selection. Prosecutors asked for contempt charges and a fine against Trump for social media posts involving two key witnesses in the case, former Trump lawyer Michael Cohen and adult film star Stormy Daniels.
Slow Start to Jury Selection
Jury selection had a slow start Monday, with over half of the 96 potential jurors stating their inability to be “fair and impartial” when it comes to Trump. The process was expected to take one to two weeks and will resume on Thursday with a break for Passover next week.
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