During the trial proceedings, Judge Juan Merchan emphasized the critical role of the jury in evaluating the case based on the presented facts. He made it clear that the responsibility of judging the evidence lies solely with the jurors, not with the court.
Merchan underscored the importance of the jurors' role by stating, 'It is not my responsibility to judge the evidence here. It is yours. You are the judges of the facts and you are responsible for deciding whether the defendant is guilty or not guilty.' This statement highlights the fundamental principle of the legal system that places the power of decision-making in the hands of the jury.
Furthermore, Merchan sought to dispel any notion that he held a personal opinion regarding the case. He explicitly stated, 'In fact, nothing I have said in the course of this trial was meant to suggest I have an opinion about this case.' By clarifying his impartial stance, Merchan aimed to ensure that the jurors approached their deliberations without any preconceived notions.
To reinforce the need for objectivity, Merchan cautioned the jurors against attributing any perceived bias to him. He instructed them, 'If you have formed an impression I do have an opinion, you must put it out of your mind at this time.' This directive serves as a reminder of the jurors' duty to assess the evidence independently and reach a verdict based on the facts presented during the trial.
