In a dramatic courtroom showdown that could have far-reaching implications for former President Donald Trump, he launched a blistering attack on Manhattan Supreme Court Justice Arthur Engoron, presiding over his $250 million civil fraud trial. Accusing the judge of being a Democratic “politician” on a mission to financially devastate him, Trump’s complaints reverberated outside the courtroom in a makeshift press conference.
“I think it’s very unfair I don’t have a jury,” Trump asserted, his voice resonating with frustration and defiance.
Jury no-show
However, the judge’s response was nothing short of unexpected. Justice Arthur Engoron, on Monday, suggested that it might have been Trump’s own doing that led to this trial proceeding without a jury. Engoron pointedly remarked, “Nobody asked for a jury trial.”
The courtroom drama centers around New York Executive Law 63(12), the statute under which the case was brought. Legal experts are divided on whether a jury trial would have even been an option, with many leaning towards it not being available. Trump’s spokesperson underlined this crucial detail in a statement.
“The Attorney General filed this case under a consumer protection statute that denies the right to a jury,” the spokesperson emphasized, conveying the limitations imposed by the law. “It is unfortunate that a jury won’t be able to hear how absurd the merits of this case are and conclude that no wrongdoing ever happened.”
What makes this confrontation all the more intriguing is that neither side actively pursued a jury trial. It raises questions about whether this move was a strategic decision or an oversight, potentially reshaping the course of Trump’s legal battle.
Legal battle without a jury
The $250 million civil fraud trial centers around allegations that Trump’s business practices were deceptive, impacting investors and consumers negatively. Without the presence of a jury, the case will rely solely on the judge’s interpretation of the evidence presented.
As the trial unfolds, legal experts, political analysts, and the public at large will be watching closely to see how this high-stakes legal battle plays out in the absence of a jury. Trump’s claims of political bias, combined with the absence of a jury, ensure that this trial remains a focal point in the ongoing legal challenges facing the former president.
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