The first-ever criminal trial of a former president is drawing to a close. On Wednesday morning, Judge Juan Merchan read out his jury instructions, explaining how the panel is to apply the law. He then handed the case over to the jury.
The jury submitted notes Wednesday afternoon requesting a read out of certain parts of trial testimony from witnesses David Pecker and Michael Cohen, and also requesting to rehear the judge’s instructions before they were dismissed for the day.
Catch up on our live coverage below:
What to know
- During a marathon session Tuesday, both Trump's lawyers and prosecutors made their closing arguments.
- Joshua Steinglass, for the DA's office, ended on a note about just how unique this case is, invoking Trump's infamous line: “Donald Trump cannot shoot someone during rush hour on Fifth Avenue and get away with it." That drew a sustained objection.
- After the jury begins deliberations, its unclear what the rest of the week will look like. Merchan said the jurors could expect to work on Wednesday until 4:30 p.m. ET.
The first-ever criminal trial of a former president is drawing to a close. On Wednesday morning, Judge Juan Merchan read out his jury instructions, explaining how the panel is to apply the law. He then handed the case over to the jury.
The jury submitted notes Wednesday afternoon requesting a read out of certain parts of trial testimony from witnesses David Pecker and Michael Cohen, and also requesting to rehear the judge’s instructions before they were dismissed for the day.
Catch up on our live coverage below:
Good Morning Folks
Let’s make it a good one!
Oh please, please, please! I realize that despite deserving it, there’s very little chance he gets incarcerated before the years long appeal process drags to close, but maybe he can have a nervous breakdown and just be a fat Bill the Cat with weirder hair going "Tthhppppt!!! at his imagined rivals.
Procedural question: someone said they estimated Trump would have a sentencing hearing about 90 days after a guilty verdict. I believe this wouldn’t be unusual. Why does it take so long?
While we wait, there’s this fluff job. Most kindergarten teachers have better skill sets.
O Today is a very good day indeed! Today he waits, we wait. 12 folks - American citizens - think it over, talk it over and decide what’s right to them.
Heady stuff. I’m glad I’m alive for this moment. This little milestone.
May it be a millstone for the accused.