Trump NY Criminal Case: Jury Deliberations Begin
Facts
- Jury deliberations in former Pres. Donald Trump’s New York criminal trial began Wednesday. Trump faces 34 felony charges related to his alleged falsifying of business documents related to $130K in payments made to Stormy Daniels — payments prosecutors characterize as 'hush money.'1
- Judge Juan M. Merchan provided lengthy instructions that included guidance on factors the panel should consider when assessing witness testimony, such as motive and plausibility.2
- Just before 3 p.m. local time, the jury asked to rehear four pieces of testimony. Subsequently, the defense and prosecution reentered the courtroom.3
- The jury also asked to have Merchan’s instruction reread to them before court was adjourned at 4:06 p.m. The jurors will return to the Manhattan courthouse to resume deliberations at 9:30 a.m. Thursday.4
- There's no deadline for the jury to reach a verdict.5
- Jury deliberations started after a day of lengthy closing arguments by the defense and the prosecution Tuesday.6
Sources: 1CBS, 2Associated Press, 3FOX News, 4NBC, 5CNN and 6Verity.
Narratives
- Pro-Trump narrative, as provided by Daily Caller. This case has been crooked from the jump, and Merchan's behavior serves as a prime example of how he's part of the witch hunt and has subverted US law. Merchan disregarded normal court protocols and surprised even the most anti-Trump liberals. He is trying to mix and match charges and do everything in his power to get Trump convicted.
- Anti-Trump narrative, as provided by MSNBC. After weeks of convincing testimony, the case has been made against Trump and now it's up to the jurors to come through and do the right thing because this may be the only case — out of four criminal cases against Trump — that gets adjudicated before Election Day. If Trump's ever going to be held accountable, it has to happen now.