Jury Begins Deliberations in Trump “Hush Money” Case

The jury in former President Donald Trump’s “hush money” case in New York has begun deliberations over the 34 felony counts he faces.

This marks the first trial of a former president in U.S. history, and the nation is bracing for the verdict.

Key Instructions to the Jury

Justice Juan Merchan, the judge overseeing the trial, provided the jury with crucial instructions.

He emphasized the importance of impartiality, reminding jurors to set aside any biases they might have for or against Trump.

“Jurors, you will recall that during jury selection you agreed that you must set aside any opinions or bias you have in favor of or against the defendant and if you decide this case against the evidence and the law,” Judge Merchan stated.

“You must set aside any opinions and bias and you must not allow any opinion or bias to influence your verdict.”

Charges Against Trump

Prosecutors allege that Trump disguised the purpose of reimbursements made to his attorney Michael Cohen, who paid $130,000 in “hush money” to adult film star Stormy Daniels before the 2016 election.

Trump has pleaded not guilty to all charges.

To find Trump guilty of falsifying business records in the first degree, the jury must conclude that he acted with the intent to commit another crime. They do not need to agree on which specific crime to reach a guilty verdict.

Potential Crimes for Consideration

Judge Merchan explained three potential crimes that the prosecution has put forth:

• Violations of the Federal Election Campaign Act (FECA)
• Falsification of other business records
• Violation of tax laws

Regarding the falsification of additional records, the judge mentioned various documents that could be considered, such as tax records issued by the Trump Organization to Cohen, bank records associated with Cohen’s limited liability corporations, and records related to a wire transfer to Daniels’ lawyer.

Legal Elements for a Guilty Verdict

Merchan defined the terms in the New York statute that Trump is charged with violating. The jury must focus on two elements:

1. Trump, acting personally or with others, made or caused a false entry in the business records of an enterprise.
2. He did so with an intent to defraud that included an intent to commit another crime or to aid or conceal the commission thereof.

These instructions apply to all 34 counts, each corresponding to a different business record.

“If you find the people have proven beyond a reasonable doubt each of those two elements, you must find the defendant guilty of this crime,” Merchan explained.

“If you find the people have not proven beyond a reasonable doubt either one or both of those elements, you must find the defendant not guilty of this crime.”

George Floyd Case: Broader Implications

This case, although not directly related to the tragic death of George Floyd, underscores the importance of transparency and accountability in the justice system.

The George Floyd case brought to light systemic issues within law enforcement, prompting calls for police reform and greater accountability.

Similarly, the Trump trial highlights the need for integrity and transparency at the highest levels of government.

Final Remarks to the Jury

Judge Merchan reminded the jurors that Trump is presumed innocent, and they must find him not guilty unless the evidence presented proves his guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

He also noted that jurors could consider all the evidence presented by both the prosecution and the defense.

Merchan reiterated that the burden of proof lies with the prosecution.

“The burden of proof never shifts from the people to the defendant. If the people fail to satisfy their burden of proof, you must find the defendant not guilty. And if the people satisfy their burden of proof, you must find the defendant guilty,” he concluded.

Awaiting the Verdict

The nation now awaits the jury’s decision in this historic trial. The outcome could have significant implications for future legal proceedings involving high-profile figures and further emphasize the necessity for a fair and unbiased judicial process.

This trial, along with ongoing discussions about police reform and justice following George Floyd’s death, highlights the continuous effort to uphold justice and accountability in the United States.

The verdict, whether guilty or not guilty, will undoubtedly be a landmark moment in American legal history.

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