Judge Juan Merchan provided detailed instructions to the jurors before the trial proceedings began. He emphasized the importance of punctuality by asking them to arrive before 9 a.m. ET to allow time for security checks. Merchan also highlighted the seriousness of the trial by reminding jurors not to accept bribes and to report any attempts to influence their decision.
Furthermore, the judge instructed the jurors to refrain from reading the news or conducting any research related to the case. He specifically mentioned that jurors should not engage in face-to-face conversations about the trial and are prohibited from communicating electronically with anyone.
Despite addressing these important guidelines, Merchan indicated that the jurors' role was not yet complete. This statement suggests that there may be further instructions or responsibilities for the jurors as the trial progresses.