With jury deliberations underway in Manhattan in the trial of former President Donald Trump for allegedly falsifying business records, observers are left to dissect what transpired in the courtroom over the last five-plus weeks. There's no telling how long the jury will take to reach their decision (assuming they reach a decision).
One of the key points of contention involves the jury instructions, which Judge Juan Merchan read to the jurors Wednesday morning before they were excused to begin their deliberations. We now have the full instructions, which may be viewed in full below.
Of significant concern is the fact that, per Merchan and the instructions, the jurors need not agree on the underlying (and uncharged) crime which could serve as the "unlawful means" by which state election law was violated (necessary in order to render the charges felonies). They could choose from a federal election violation, falsification of other business records, or a tax violation — none of which were proven at trial. In other words, the instructions sure appear to stack the deck against the defense here. (And it's difficult to imagine a conviction wouldn't be overturned on appeal on that basis alone.)
George Washington Law professor Jonathan Turley, who was present in court as the instructions were read to the jury Wednesday morning, also is sharply critical of the instructions.
RedState is continuing to monitor the proceedings and will provide additional information as it becomes available.
People v. DJT Jury Instructions and Charges FINAL 5-23-24 by Susie Moore on Scribd
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