During a recent court hearing, Trump attorney Todd Blance made a request to Judge Juan Merchan regarding the upcoming testimony of Michael Cohen. Blance asked the prosecution to instruct Cohen not to discuss the case or President Trump during his testimony, until the case is concluded.
In response to this request, prosecutor Joshua Steinglass explained that the prosecution has limited control over what witnesses choose to disclose during their testimony. He stated that they have repeatedly advised witnesses, including Cohen, to refrain from discussing certain topics until the appropriate time.
Blance emphasized the importance of ensuring that Cohen's testimony does not influence the ongoing case or potentially prejudice the proceedings. By requesting the court to intervene and instruct the prosecution to guide Cohen on what topics to avoid, the defense team aims to maintain the integrity of the legal process.
Steinglass reiterated that while the prosecution has advised witnesses on what to discuss, they cannot fully control the actions or statements made by individuals called to testify. This acknowledgment highlights the complexities involved in managing witness testimonies and the challenges prosecutors face in ensuring compliance with legal guidelines.
The exchange between the defense and prosecution underscores the delicate balance required in handling witness testimonies in high-profile cases. As the legal proceedings continue, the court will need to navigate these dynamics to uphold fairness and transparency in the pursuit of justice.