New York, April 15, 2024
Update: A jury of 12 and six alternates has been sworn in to hear the trial of former President Donald Trump. Opening arguments are set to begin on Monday morning.
Key Arguments
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Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg’s Team: Trump is charged with 34 counts of falsifying business records in the first degree related to hush money payments allegedly made to adult film actress Stormy Daniels during the 2016 presidential election. Bragg intends to use Trump’s alleged prior criminal acts and misconduct to discredit him if he testifies.
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Trump’s Defense: The defense has argued that Trump did nothing wrong, and the charges are politically motivated. They also argue that the gag order imposed on Trump is a violation of their client’s First Amendment rights.
Gag Order Violation
Trump has repeatedly violated the gag order by making public statements about the case. Bragg has urged the judge to warn Trump that further violations could result in imprisonment for up to 30 days. The judge is expected to rule on the matter next week.
Witness Testimony
Bragg has indicated that he may cross-examine Trump about information from the following cases:
- New York Attorney General Letitia James’ civil fraud case against Trump
- New York Judge Arthur Engoron’s ruling that Trump is liable for fraud and multiple other charges
- Defamation case filed by E. Jean Carroll
Trump’s Role in Defense
Trump has expressed his intention to testify in his own defense. The judge will decide on Monday whether information from the aforementioned cases can be used for cross-examination.
Emotional Day in Court
The first day of jury selection was described as “intensely emotional.” The judge instructed jurors not to discuss or research the case over the weekend.
Jury Composition
The jury includes a diverse group of New Yorkers, with a range of backgrounds and experiences. The panels were instructed to set aside any biases and decide the case based solely on the evidence presented in court.
The trial is expected to attract widespread attention and has the potential to shape future legal proceedings involving former presidents. The judge has urged all parties to maintain decorum and prioritize the fairness of the trial.
Data sourced from: foxnews.com
