Historic Verdict Looms: Jury Urged To Use ‘Common Sense’ And Find Trump Guilty In Landmark Trial

Posted by: lukwago J in World news May 29, 2024

In the riveting climax of the first-ever criminal trial of a former president, prosecutors passionately implored the jurors to tap into their “common sense” and deliver a guilty verdict against Donald Trump.

With closing arguments concluded, the stage is now set for the 12-member panel to commence deliberations the following day.

The significance of this moment is amplified by the proximity to a forthcoming election, where Trump seeks to reclaim the White House. The stakes are undeniably high, not only for the 77-year-old personally but also for the nation as a whole.

At the heart of the trial lies the accusation that Trump manipulated business records to reimburse his former lawyer, Michael Cohen, for a substantial payment to adult film actress Stormy Daniels.

Fearing the detrimental impact of her alleged account of a sexual encounter, Trump purportedly resorted to deceit to safeguard his 2016 presidential campaign against Hillary Clinton.

Assistant District Attorney Joshua Steinglass delivered a resolute final plea for a guilty verdict, countering defense lawyer Todd Blanche’s impassioned call for acquittal. Blanche contended that the case against the former president was built upon falsehoods.

Lawyer Blanche said Cohen presented a series of lies

Steinglass emphasized Daniels’ testimony about her 2006 liaison with Trump as the motive behind the alleged crime, asserting that “the case at its core is about a conspiracy and a cover-up” on the brink of an election. He underscored the clarity of the defendant’s intent to deceive.

Blanche, however, staunchly defended Trump’s innocence, urging the jury to swiftly deliver a “not guilty” verdict. He argued that Cohen, driven by “outright hatred” for his former boss, had testified falsely, presenting a series of lies.

Amidst a brief recess before the court resumed for an unusual evening session, Trump took to social media to dismiss the proceedings as “boring.” Addressing reporters earlier in the day, he referred to it as a “very dangerous day for America.” Flanked by three of his five children—Don Jr, Eric, and Tiffany—Trump claimed that the court case was rigged and should never have been brought forward.

Blanche contended that Trump had not meticulously scrutinized the invoices that crossed his desk. Steinglass, however, countered by highlighting the plethora of corroborating evidence in addition to Cohen’s testimony.

He emphasized that this case was about Donald Trump, his accountability for falsifying entries in his own business records, and whether he did so to conceal election violations.

As the verdict draws closer, the implications ripple through the ongoing White House race. Polls indicate a neck-and-neck competition between Trump and President Joe Biden, and the jury’s decision promises to introduce a fresh wave of tension into the electoral landscape.

In an unexpected press conference outside the courtroom, iconic actor Robert De Niro, speaking on behalf of the Biden campaign, lambasted Trump as a “clown” intent on obliterating the country.

Trump is the first president to face criminal indictment

Against the backdrop of raucous pro-Trump protesters and blaring car alarms, De Niro’s actions seemed to be an attempt to counterbalance Trump’s dominance of the news channels.

Trump, the first former or sitting president to face criminal indictment, also confronts charges in other separate cases, including allegations of mishandling classified documents and attempting to undermine the 2020 election.

Among these cases, the hush money trial, featuring over 20 witnesses and gripping testimonies from Daniels and Cohen, is likely the only one expected to reach trial before Election Day.

If convicted, Trump could face up to four years in prison for each of the 34 counts. However, as a first-time offender, it is unlikely that he would receive a jail sentence.

A conviction would not preclude him from appearing on the November ballot or seeking residence once again in the White House.

Trump opted against testifying in his defense, instead opting for daily diatribes denouncing the “corrupt” Judge Juan Merchan and alleging that the trial was a ploy by the Democratic Party to keep him off the campaign trail.

The jury’s verdict must be unanimous, and a single holdout could result in a mistrial, leaving the outcome of this historic trial hanging in the balance.

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