Former President Trump has called to end his trial in New York City on Truth Social, citing concerns about the judge and jury instructions. Trump criticized the acting judge, Juan Marchand, as corrupt and deeply conflicted, alleging that the trial is rigged against him. He expressed frustration over not being allowed to present an election law expert to support his claim of innocence.
The key issue raised by Trump's legal team is the lack of a requirement for a unanimous jury decision on crucial aspects of the case. The prosecution has accused Trump of business records fraud, which they claim was intended to cover up another felony offense. However, the judge's ruling on jury instructions regarding the unanimity requirement has sparked controversy.
According to legal experts, the judge's decision not to mandate a unanimous jury verdict on the underlying offense that the fraud was meant to conceal is a contentious issue. This decision could impact the outcome of the trial and the jury's ability to reach a consensus on the charges.
Despite differing opinions on the case, including former FBI Director Jim Comey's prediction of a potential conviction, Trump's attorney remains confident in their defense. They argue that there is no concrete evidence of illegal activity by Trump and believe the prosecution has failed to meet the burden of proof.
The complexity of the jury instructions and the interpretation of federal election law regarding willful violations add further layers of confusion to the trial. The establishment of the primary crime and its connection to the alleged cover-up offense are crucial elements that the jury must consider.
As the trial continues to unfold, the legal teams on both sides are grappling with intricate legal arguments and procedural challenges. The outcome of the trial remains uncertain, with conflicting perspectives on the likelihood of a conviction, a hung jury, or an acquittal.
