Here is a look at the first days of the historic experiment, as told by some of its participants.
“I don’t think I can be impartial. ” (Unnamed Juror)
During jury selection, New York Supreme Court Judge Juan Merchan, who is hearing the case, put a lot of emphasis on how the jurors felt.
The potential jurors were asked whether they could be fair or impartial in deciding the case. If they felt that way, they were quickly excused. In some cases, however, potential jurors spent some time deliberating the case before reaching that conclusion.
That’s what happened to one potential juror, who came in Friday morning and, after sleeping on it, said she didn’t think she could be impartial after her everything. Merchant apologized.
“No jurors will be intimidated in the courtroom.” (New York Supreme Court Justice Juan Merchan)
It only took until the second day of the case for Merchan, who is hearing the case, to warn Trump for his behavior in court.
Trump’s courtroom behavior has clashed with other judges in some of his recent cases. When writer E. Jean Carroll sued Trump for defamation, the judge hearing the case threatened to throw her out of court for not remaining silent while she testified. And during the civil fraud trial against Trump and his business, he clashed with another judge, who urged his lawyers to “control your client.”
In this case, Merchan’s warning came as jurors were questioned on Tuesday. Trump seemed to be dealing with a potential jury – and Merchan didn’t appreciate it.
Merchan spoke to Trump’s attorney, Todd Blanche, saying that his client “heard something to hear” and that he was “moving forward and speaking for the jury” while as they were near.
“I won’t accept that,” said Merchan.
“We are opposed to having this trial during the campaign season. (Todd Blanche, Trump’s lawyer)
Throughout Trump’s various criminal cases, his lawyers have sought — successfully, in some cases — to to delay business whenever possible. They also tried to cancel this trial, but were refused again and again.
In court on Monday, Blanche repeated the defense’s complaint about the trial that is taking place now. Blanche’s content: It was unfair to hold the trial while Trump, the presumptive Republican presidential candidate, is campaigning ahead of the November election. The trial went ahead after what he said.
Later in the week, Merchan also expressed his frustration with the Trump team for its repeated attempts to seek new rulings on decided cases. “That has to end,” Merchan told Trump’s lawyers Friday. “There’s a time when you accept my decisions.”
“I’m definitely worried now.” (Jour No. 2, now former)
Jury selection included a few bumps along the way. Merchan has said the names of potential jurors would only be shared with prosecutors and defense attorneys — and not released publicly.
But the jury’s questionnaire included inquiries about some potentially personally identifiable details, such as past and present jobs and employers. Some of the information is scattered in some of the news reports and online.
A woman who was selected as Juror No. 2 Tuesday into Thursday morning with concerns after friends, colleagues and relatives found out, apparently recognizing her connection to the trial.
“I don’t believe at this point that I can be fair and impartial and let the outside influences not influence my decisions in the courtroom ,” she said. She was excused from the jury.
“I should be allowed to speak.” (Former President Donald Trump)
Speaking to reporters Friday morning, Trump said a gag order placed on Merchan in the case took away his “constitutional rights to speak.” “
Merchant sent gag order last month prohibiting the former president from publicly commenting on witnesses in the case “regarding their possible involvement in this investigation or criminal enterprise . He also barred Trump from mentioning potential jurors, court staff and Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg’s staff. Then, after Trump publicly attacked Merchan’s daughter, the judge expansion the order to prevent him from mentioning the Merchan and Bragg families.
Prosecutors say Trump has already violated this gag order, which his lawyers dispute. Merchan has scheduled a hearing for Tuesday morning to address the matter.
“We don’t think you’ve been living under a rock. ” (Joshua Steinglass, prosecutor)
Jury selection in this case was expected to be difficult, as it involves a defendant who is so prominent and has so many deeply held opinions.
Steinglass, one of the prosecutors in the case, admitted during jury selection that just knowing about Trump was not disqualifying. Addressing potential jurors, Steinglass said the case had “nothing to do with your personal politics,” but that jurors were needed who would not let their beliefs influence them. on their decisions.
Susan Hoffinger, another prosecutor, also reminded potential jurors that the case “wasn’t about who you’re going to vote for in the fall. “
“This is a lot more stressful than I thought it was going to be. ” (Unnamed Juror)
It is clear that much of the attention on this case has focused on the accused.
But during the first week of the trial, courtroom proceedings focused heavily on the potential jurors, who were asked about topics including their jobs, social media habits , sources of news and sentiments about Trump.
Several potential jurors reported feeling increasingly anxious during the jury selection process.
One of those people fought back in tears on Friday, saying the pressure of the situation was overwhelming. Her voice broke as she spoke in court. Merchan soon apologized.
Perry Stein in Washington and Shayna Jacobs, Devlin Barrett and Rachel Weiner in New York contributed to this report.
2024-04-20 13:00:00
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