Trump’s Historic Criminal Trial Nears Opening Statements
The jury selection in Donald Trump’s groundbreaking criminal trial in New York is in its final stages, sparking anticipation for possible opening statements to be delivered on Monday.
Impartial Jury Found After Swift Movement
After a swift process, a full 12-person panel has been sworn in for Trump’s trial, with six alternate jurors being sought as reserves if needed. Justice Juan Merchan declared, “We have our jury,” after selecting seven men and five women.
Charges Stem from Hush-Money Payment to Stormy Daniels
Trump is facing accusations of falsifying business records in connection to a hush-money payment made to porn star Stormy Daniels before the 2016 election. While the payment itself was not illegal, Trump has been charged with 34 counts of falsifying business records by Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg.
Dismissals and Setbacks in Jury Selection
The jury selection process faced some setbacks, with two jurors being dismissed after being seated. One juror realized she could no longer be impartial due to outside influences, while another was found to have lied about their criminal history. The process of finding impartial jurors continued with new potential candidates brought into the courtroom.
Challenges and Public Pressure in Unusual Case
The dynamics of the trial have proven to be unique, with public pressure affecting both potential jurors and legal teams. The hunt for impartial jurors continues as the trial moves forward, with a focus on keeping identifying information private to avoid outside influences.
Concerns Raised During Jury Selection
During the jury selection process, concerns were raised about potential jurors’ opinions and past statements regarding Trump. Some were dismissed due to personal connections to the case or past social media posts criticizing Trump. The defense team raised questions about jurors’ ability to remain impartial.
