As the process continues to fill the jury with twelve qualified individuals in Donald Trump’s first criminal case, the trial faces setbacks as potential jurors wrestle with their ability to be fair and impartial. All individuals scrutinized for jury selection have been asked about social media activity, political opinions, and personal details.
As of April 18, two jurors in the hush money trial have been dismissed, reducing the number of jurors to five out of the needed twelve. Once the twelve jurors are seated, opening statements will begin the trial, which is expected to be lengthy.
First Juror Dismissed for Bias
The first juror, who was initially selected and was subsequently dismissed, expressed doubts about her ability to remain unbiased, having further considered the implications. This revelation occurred during an intense morning in the courtroom.
Issues with Another Juror
A second juror, who works in the information technology sector, was flagged for a discrepancy in his earlier courtroom responses.
Prosecution Seeks Contempt Against Trump
Adding to the intensity of proceedings this week, prosecutors asked that Trump be held in contempt of court. They cite his recent inflammatory social media posts, which they argued could influence the trial’s proceedings.
Measures to Protect Juror Privacy
In response to the contempt charge, the judge has barred journalists from identifying the jurors’ employers in reporting. This decision aims to cut down on potential harassment from the public of jury participants in their daily lives.
Significance of Jury Completion
It is a critical and significant undertaking to identify and qualify twelve jurors to evaluate Trump’s past behaviors and their legal implications. The trial promises to reveal potentially damaging testimony about Trump’s private life before his presidency.
Background of the Case
The basis of the trial rests on allegations that Trump arranged payments to silence claims of an affair, specifically a $130,000 payment made by his lawyer to adult film star Stormy Daniels shortly before the 2016 election. This alleged hush money payment was intended to keep Daniels from going public with information about the relationship in advance of the 2016 election.
Legal Charges and Potential Consequences
Trump faces 34 felony counts of falsifying business records related to these transactions. If convicted, Trump could be sentenced to up to four years in prison or other consequences determined by the judge. It is expected that Trump would appeal if convicted.
The Larger Political Context
In addition to this trial reflecting back on past financial business decisions, the trial has gained such interest due to its timeliness in advance of Trump’s campaign to return to the White House. The outcome of the trial could ultimately impact whether the voting public sees him as a convicted criminal serving a sentence or the victim of political persecution.
Other Legal Challenges
This hush money trial is the first of four criminal cases involving Trump. Despite Trump’s lawyers’ extensive efforts to delay the trial, it has already begun and is expected to last weeks or months. The other criminal cases have seen delays and may not go to trial before the election in November.
The Role of Michael Cohen
Trump’s former lawyer, Michael Cohen, is a key witness in the trial. His testimony may provide details about Trump’s level of involvement in the financial arrangements and settlements. Cohen has pleaded guilty to federal charges and has been cooperating with the prosecution.
Impact of Media and Public Opinion
Trump is one of the highest profile, most recognizable names and faces in the world. The attention given to the spectacle of the criminal trial of a former President and current Presidential candidate has caused complications in setting up a fair trial in deep blue New York City.
Additionally, the lightning rod political divisions surrounding the politician and businessman means that most potential jurors may have already formed a set opinion on Trump, even going so far as to proactively vote for or against him in the past and planning to do so again in the near future.
Legal Strategy and Defense
Trump’s lawyers argue that payments to Stormy Daniels are legitimate legal expenses. They will also likely attack the credibility and character of Cohen, who has pleaded guilty to other infractions in the past during his time working with Donald Trump.
Implications for Future Legal Proceedings
While the process is off the big screen and the public is not allowed into the courtroom for this trial, journalists and friends and foes of Trump alike are eager to see if the court can gather an impartial jury of twelve in New York City and whether the judge will censor Trump’s speech online in an effort to maintain the safety of the jury and witnesses, as well provide an insulated and controlled courtroom environment.
