Only if it was in the commission of another crime, which it wasn't, but as we've all concluded, this isn't about financial recordkeeping, it's about eight weeks of character assassination/keeping Trump chained to a courtroom desk.Quote:
Because he arranged payment through a shell company, which he later reimbursed with funds labeled as "legal fees." This is a class E felony in New York.
Old McDonald said:
one thing we can all agree on: trump cheated on his pregnant wife with a p*** star
This is something I didn't know. Can they really force a defendant to be in court every day? Would think a defendant has the right to not be in attendance if he's not testifying or examining witnesses.Reality Check said:Only if it was in the commission of another crime, which it wasn't, but as we've all concluded, this isn't about financial recordkeeping, it's about eight weeks of character assassination/keeping Trump chained to a courtroom desk.Quote:
Because he arranged payment through a shell company, which he later reimbursed with funds labeled as "legal fees." This is a class E felony in New York.
Since he got less than 12% of the vote in that area, looks pretty grim they could slip in one mild republican to gum up the works.DenverAg91 said:
Since there is about a 0.00000001% chance of a not guilty verdict due to the likely jury makeup, what would happen with a hung jury if there are one or two stubborn jurors?
That seems to me the best case for Trump since the very best case is extremely unlikely
Could the prosecutors refile the case quickly enough to get a 2nd trial before the election?
Quote:
This is something I didn't know. Can they really force a defendant to be in court every day? Would think a defendant has the right to not be in attendance if he's not testifying or examining witnesses.
85% voted for Bragg on a "get Trump" platform and they already stole millions of Trumps money without a shred of evidence. Of course the entire jury pool is biased beyond repair.aggiehawg said:Unless I missed something, zero jurors were seated today. Nor is there any reason to believe the next panel of 96 will be any better with 62 being dimissed for mainly bias and lack of impartiality.Quote:
The opening day of the first criminal trial of former President Donald Trump hit home the reality that the presumptive Republican nominee for president will be sitting in a Manhattan courtroom as a defendant four days a week.
Here are the key takeaways from day one of "The People of the State of New York vs Donald Trump."
The difficulty in picking a jury: Merchan brought in 96 New Yorkers as prospective jurors. More than half were quickly dismissed because they said they did not think they could be fair and impartial. Among the other nine potential jurors who were questioned, none said they had read any books written by either Trump or Michael Cohen. And none had said they'd worked or volunteered for Trump.
Defense wants to slow things down: Sources told CNN that there will likely be many objections and sidebars during the trial because the defense is completely focused on preserving every issue for appeal. These tactics fit the larger Trump legal strategy, which included months of appeals to delay the start of the trial, which was successful on separate grounds. The defense now hopes legal proceedings, which are expected to last six to eight weeks, move at a slow pace with the 2024 election just months away.
Trump accused of violating gag order: Prosecutors asked Judge Juan Merchan to sanction Trump and fine him for violating the gag order prohibiting him from talking about witnesses in the case, the DA's office or court staff. Merchan scheduled a hearing on the district attorney's motion for next Tuesday.
"Access Hollywood" tape can't be played, but actress can testify: Merchan sided with prosecutors in allowing Karen McDougal, an actress and model who alleged she also had an affair with Trump, to testify. Prosecutors can also introduce National Enquirer stories slamming Trump's opponents as evidence. Trump has denied the affair. A key victory for Trump, meanwhile, was Merchan's ruling that the infamous "Access Hollywood" tape can't be played in court, saying it was prejudicial. Prosecutors also will not be allowed to bring up other sexual assault allegations against Trump that surfaced after the "Access Hollywood tape" was made public in October 2016.
I like how this is presented as fact, even though both parties have denied it, Stormy even in writing.larryj41 said:Old McDonald said:
one thing we can all agree on: trump cheated on his pregnant wife with a p*** star
Are you sure you want to cast the first stone?
LMCane said:
"Drowsy Don" now becoming a meme around the social media.
Headlines of Drudge April 16, 2024:
Drowsy Don
Facing 34 Felony Counts
Convicted Before Memorial Day
Dropping in Polls
who could possibly have seen any of this coming back in October 2023?!
Oh that's right- everyone supporting DeSantis and Haley.
So today the judge was late.Quote:
Judge Juan Merchan is back on the bench and apologized for starting late.
The court is waiting for the prospective jurors to enter.
About 32 prospective jurors were left from yesterday.
Quote:
Donald Trump entered the courtroom at 9:30 a.m. ET, according to pool reports. While he walked down the aisle, he winked at one of the court officers and mouthed, "How are you?"
He looked straight ahead as he walked, then took a seat at the defense table.
Seated in the back row of the courtroom is Trump aide Jason Miller.
Quote:
Judge Juan Merchan is waiting for two prospective jurors who were questioned yesterday to arrive this morning. He said he'd give them a few more minutes to see if they show up.
The judge had said they can either wait for the two jurors or replace them.
Trump attorney Todd Blanche said they'd like to excuse them and get started because they're already 15 minutes behind schedule.
Another juror who arrived today was excused after she said she felt sick.
Quote:
Judge Juan Merchan says he's asking the sergeant to get the prospective jurors ready to continue to be questioned.
Two of the three missing jurors are here, Merchan says. They are confirming whether they are the two in the box or not.
I would think the defense wants to get this scam over as fast as possible as opposed to hoping they move at slow pace....?aggiehawg said:Unless I missed something, zero jurors were seated today. Nor is there any reason to believe the next panel of 96 will be any better with 62 being dimissed for mainly bias and lack of impartiality.Quote:
The opening day of the first criminal trial of former President Donald Trump hit home the reality that the presumptive Republican nominee for president will be sitting in a Manhattan courtroom as a defendant four days a week.
Here are the key takeaways from day one of "The People of the State of New York vs Donald Trump."
The difficulty in picking a jury: Merchan brought in 96 New Yorkers as prospective jurors. More than half were quickly dismissed because they said they did not think they could be fair and impartial. Among the other nine potential jurors who were questioned, none said they had read any books written by either Trump or Michael Cohen. And none had said they'd worked or volunteered for Trump.
Defense wants to slow things down: Sources told CNN that there will likely be many objections and sidebars during the trial because the defense is completely focused on preserving every issue for appeal. These tactics fit the larger Trump legal strategy, which included months of appeals to delay the start of the trial, which was successful on separate grounds. The defense now hopes legal proceedings, which are expected to last six to eight weeks, move at a slow pace with the 2024 election just months away.
Trump accused of violating gag order: Prosecutors asked Judge Juan Merchan to sanction Trump and fine him for violating the gag order prohibiting him from talking about witnesses in the case, the DA's office or court staff. Merchan scheduled a hearing on the district attorney's motion for next Tuesday.
"Access Hollywood" tape can't be played, but actress can testify: Merchan sided with prosecutors in allowing Karen McDougal, an actress and model who alleged she also had an affair with Trump, to testify. Prosecutors can also introduce National Enquirer stories slamming Trump's opponents as evidence. Trump has denied the affair. A key victory for Trump, meanwhile, was Merchan's ruling that the infamous "Access Hollywood" tape can't be played in court, saying it was prejudicial. Prosecutors also will not be allowed to bring up other sexual assault allegations against Trump that surfaced after the "Access Hollywood tape" was made public in October 2016.
Quote:
Jurors are now entering. The two late jurors will be replaced in the box now.
Judge Juan Merchan said they will sit in the audience if they eventually show up and can then be used in the next round. He went on to welcome the jury pool and apologized for the late start.
Don SnoreleoneLMCane said:
"Drowsy Don" now becoming a meme around the social media.
Headlines of Drudge April 16, 2024:
Drowsy Don
Facing 34 Felony Counts
Convicted Before Memorial Day
Dropping in Polls
who could possibly have seen any of this coming back in October 2023?!
Oh that's right- everyone supporting DeSantis and Haley.
In 2022, Hillary Clinton quietly settled a campaign finance violation over reporting the *Steele Dossier* funding as ‘legal services’
— Jack Poso 🇺🇸 (@JackPosobiec) April 16, 2024
She paid a fine and was never arrested
The same thing Trump is on trial for right now pic.twitter.com/Uo8KIwo1l5
fredfredunderscorefred said:I would think the defense wants to get this scam over as fast as possible as opposed to hoping they move at slow pace....?aggiehawg said:Unless I missed something, zero jurors were seated today. Nor is there any reason to believe the next panel of 96 will be any better with 62 being dimissed for mainly bias and lack of impartiality.Quote:
The opening day of the first criminal trial of former President Donald Trump hit home the reality that the presumptive Republican nominee for president will be sitting in a Manhattan courtroom as a defendant four days a week.
Here are the key takeaways from day one of "The People of the State of New York vs Donald Trump."
The difficulty in picking a jury: Merchan brought in 96 New Yorkers as prospective jurors. More than half were quickly dismissed because they said they did not think they could be fair and impartial. Among the other nine potential jurors who were questioned, none said they had read any books written by either Trump or Michael Cohen. And none had said they'd worked or volunteered for Trump.
Defense wants to slow things down: Sources told CNN that there will likely be many objections and sidebars during the trial because the defense is completely focused on preserving every issue for appeal. These tactics fit the larger Trump legal strategy, which included months of appeals to delay the start of the trial, which was successful on separate grounds. The defense now hopes legal proceedings, which are expected to last six to eight weeks, move at a slow pace with the 2024 election just months away.
Trump accused of violating gag order: Prosecutors asked Judge Juan Merchan to sanction Trump and fine him for violating the gag order prohibiting him from talking about witnesses in the case, the DA's office or court staff. Merchan scheduled a hearing on the district attorney's motion for next Tuesday.
"Access Hollywood" tape can't be played, but actress can testify: Merchan sided with prosecutors in allowing Karen McDougal, an actress and model who alleged she also had an affair with Trump, to testify. Prosecutors can also introduce National Enquirer stories slamming Trump's opponents as evidence. Trump has denied the affair. A key victory for Trump, meanwhile, was Merchan's ruling that the infamous "Access Hollywood" tape can't be played in court, saying it was prejudicial. Prosecutors also will not be allowed to bring up other sexual assault allegations against Trump that surfaced after the "Access Hollywood tape" was made public in October 2016.
"Defense wants to slow things down: Sources told CNN that there will likely be many objections and sidebars during the trial because the defense is completely focused on preserving every issue for appeal. These tactics fit the larger Trump legal strategy, which included months of appeals to delay the start of the trial, which was successful on separate grounds. The defense now hopes legal proceedings, which are expected to last six to eight weeks, move at a slow pace with the 2024 election just months away."
Quote:
One potential juror was excused after he said he has concerns about his unconscious bias. He noted he is from Texas and has lots of friends who are Republican.
Judge Juan Merchan asked if he thinks he could be impartial, and the man replied: "It's probably going to be tough for me to be impartial."
"We appreciate your candor," Merchan said as he excuses the juror.
Oh, it's definitely someone on here.aggiehawg said:
LOL. Okay fess up which one of you was this guy?Quote:
One potential juror was excused after he said he has concerns about his unconscious bias. He noted he is from Texas and has lots of friends who are Republican.
Judge Juan Merchan asked if he thinks he could be impartial, and the man replied: "It's probably going to be tough for me to be impartial."
"We appreciate your candor," Merchan said as he excuses the juror.
The juror says that being from Texas, and having been to Texas A&M, he says he has an unconscious bias—growing up a lot of family and friends are Republicans, and will make it difficult for him to be impartial.
— Tyler McBrien (@TylerMcBrien) April 16, 2024
Merchan asks him to approach the bench.
Quote:
A second juror was dismissed after she said she was thinking yesterday and did not think she could be fair and impartial.
Quote:
A third juror has been excused this morning by Judge Juan Merchan after saying he was concerned about the strain that serving on the jury would place on his work.
Dropping like flies.Quote:
A fourth prospective juror has been excused due to a scheduling conflict.
Manhattan???Joseydog said:Oh, it's definitely someone on here.aggiehawg said:
LOL. Okay fess up which one of you was this guy?Quote:
One potential juror was excused after he said he has concerns about his unconscious bias. He noted he is from Texas and has lots of friends who are Republican.
Judge Juan Merchan asked if he thinks he could be impartial, and the man replied: "It's probably going to be tough for me to be impartial."
"We appreciate your candor," Merchan said as he excuses the juror.The juror says that being from Texas, and having been to Texas A&M, he says he has an unconscious bias—growing up a lot of family and friends are Republicans, and will make it difficult for him to be impartial.
— Tyler McBrien (@TylerMcBrien) April 16, 2024
Merchan asks him to approach the bench.
That's the get out of jail free card here.Quote:
Another juror has been excused after saying that he does not think he can be impartial. "I don't think I can be as impartial and unbiased as I thought I could be," he said.
Merchan can be accommodating when he wants to be. IDK what is across the street? Traffic court?Quote:
A prospective juror reading her questionnaire said she lives on the Upper West Side and has worked for a senior living company for about 16 or 17 years, according to pool reports. She finished high school, has attended some college, was never married and has three children. One of her children is an adult postal worker. She said she likes to spend time with her two granddaughters.
She said she had a court date April 30 "across the street," according to the pool.
Judge Juan Merchan inquired briefly about the schedule of that and said, "We can work around that."
Quote:
So far today, seven potential jurors have been excused. Jury selection is ongoing.
Quote:
As prospective jurors begin answering questions, former President Donald Trump has looked over at them.
As they continue on with the responses to the 42 questions, he sat back in his chair, appearing to close his eyes from time to time as the answers are being read.
Read his books.Quote:
A male potential juror got former President Donald Trump's attention as the first to say he read some of Trump's books.
As he named "Art of the Deal" and tried to remember two others, Trump nodded along as he listed off the titles.
The juror said he was concerned that he would discuss the case with his wife. Merchan told him he could say that he was here but not discuss the substance of the case.He cited Passover, which starts Monday, as a potential scheduling conflict.Quote:
"That would be tough," the juror said.
"Can you do that?" Merchan asked.
"Yeah," he said.
Quote:
Another potential juror is a man who has lived on the Lower East Side for more than 40 years and is originally from Puerto Rico. He said he's a self-employed IT consultant who has been is married "a long time."
He said he has one child and two grandchildren. He joked, "I have no spare time" and then said, "I guess my hobby is my family." He participates in some community nonprofits, and he said he once served on a jury in a civil case but he doesn't remember the outcome because it was so long ago.
He said he gets his news from the Daily News and New York Times. He also said, "I do Google. I do X," he he listens to podcast on YouTube.
Quote:
Seat number one is being refilled after that juror was excused earlier. Once that juror is through questioning, there will be 18 jurors that made it through the questionnaire.
There's still a long way to go before we get a jury, however, as this is just the first step in jury selection.
Quote:
Judge Juan Merchan last week released the questionnaire that is being presented to potential jurors in court. It contains multiple questions that could signal political views to the lawyers on both sides.
A panel of 12 New Yorkers and six alternates will ultimately be selected to decide whether to convict Donald Trump
Here's a look at some of the topics of the questions:Those in the jury pool will also be asked if they have views on whether a former president can be charged in state court and how Trump is being treated in this case.
- News consumption
- Affiliations with groups like the Proud Boys, QAnon and Antifa
- whether prospective jurors or anyone in their circle attended a Trump rally or an anti-Trump event.
- If they've ever read books or listened to podcasts from Michael Cohen, Trump's former lawyer and a key witness for the district attorney, or if they've read any of Trump's own books.
The questions are being used for the judge to strike jurors at the outset, if they don't believe they can render a verdict fairly. They are also being used by lawyers for both sides to strike jurors for any reason a key part of the jury selection process.
Quote:
Another potential juror, an older woman, has been dismissed after she said she wasn't 100% sure she could be fair.
She said she believes Trump is being treated fairly and said, "I believe no one's above the law, so I guess that's a strong opinion."