๐Ÿšจ Trump's jury intimidation BACKFIRES on him at trial

The Legal Breakdown with BTC & Glenn Kirschner
18 Apr 202418:44

TLDRDonald Trump's trial is experiencing significant developments as his attempts to intimidate the jury have backfired. A juror was released due to concerns about identity exposure after Trump accused the jury of being liberal activists. This has led to seven contempt allegations against Trump for violating the court's gag order. Judge Maran is expected to rule on these allegations, and if found guilty, Trump could face a fine of $1,000 per violation or up to 30 days in jail for each contempt charge. The judge has also taken steps to protect juror identities by limiting the information disclosed to the public. Despite the high-profile nature of the case, the trial has seen a swift jury selection process, with 12 jurors and six alternates selected. The trial is anticipated to progress quickly, possibly concluding within four weeks.

Takeaways

  • ๐Ÿšจ Donald Trump's alleged jury intimidation is backfiring, with a sworn-in jury member bailing due to identity leak concerns after Trump's accusations.
  • ๐Ÿ“š Glenn and Brian are providing comprehensive coverage of Trump's trial, urging viewers to subscribe for daily updates.
  • ๐Ÿ“‰ Seven contempt allegations have been presented by the prosecutors against Trump for violating the court's gag order.
  • ๐Ÿ‘จโ€โš–๏ธ Judge Maran will decide on the contempt charges and potential sanctions, which could include fines and jail time.
  • ๐Ÿšซ Trump's defense team is not being given the names of the first three witnesses due to concerns over their safety and Trump's influence.
  • ๐Ÿ›ก The judge has taken steps to protect the jurors' identities by limiting the information disclosed about them.
  • ๐Ÿ”„ Despite juror turnover, the selection process has been swift, with 12 jurors and six alternates chosen in less than three days.
  • โฑ The trial could progress quickly, possibly concluding within four weeks, assuming Trump's defense does not call many witnesses.
  • ๐Ÿค” The number of alternates is higher than usual for a trial, but considered sufficient for the anticipated trial length.
  • ๐Ÿ’ผ Jurors for lengthy trials are often government employees or individuals not facing financial hardship for a prolonged absence from work.
  • ๐Ÿ“ˆ The trial's expedited pace and the protective measures for jurors reflect the severity and high stakes of the case against Trump.

Q & A

  • What is the main issue being discussed in the legal breakdown?

    -The main issue discussed is Donald Trump's alleged jury intimidation and its consequences at his trial, including potential violations of a gag order and the possibility of being held in criminal contempt.

  • What is a gag order and why was it issued in this case?

    -A gag order is a legal restraint on the public communication of information about legal proceedings, often to prevent tampering with the jury or witnesses. It was issued in this case to prevent Donald Trump from making statements or posts that could influence the jury.

  • What is the significance of the juror who was excused due to concerns about her identity being leaked?

    -The juror's excuse highlights the impact of Trump's public statements on the trial process. Her concern about identity leakage is a direct consequence of Trump's accusations against the jury, which is perceived as jury intimidation.

  • What does the term 'contempt allegations' refer to in the context of this transcript?

    -Contempt allegations refer to the accusations that Donald Trump has violated the court's gag order by making statements about the jury, which could lead to sanctions or penalties, including fines or jail time.

  • What is the role of Judge Maran in this situation?

    -Judge Maran is responsible for deciding on the contempt allegations against Donald Trump, determining whether there has been a violation of the gag order, and deciding on the appropriate sanctions if Trump is found in contempt.

  • What is the potential sanction for criminal contempt in this case?

    -The potential sanction for criminal contempt could be a fine of up to $1,000 per violation and up to 30 days in jail for each violation of a court order.

  • Why did the prosecution refuse to disclose the first three witnesses to the defense?

    -The prosecution refused to disclose the first three witnesses due to concerns that Trump could use the information to endanger or intimidate the witnesses, given his history of violating the gag order.

  • How does the selection of an anonymous jury affect the trial process?

    -An anonymous jury adds an extra layer of protection for jurors, especially in high-profile cases where there may be a risk of juror intimidation or harm. It can also lead to a more streamlined trial process as the defense is not given advance notice of which witnesses will testify.

  • What is the typical number of alternate jurors in a trial?

    -The typical number of alternate jurors in a trial is two, although in this case, six alternates were chosen to accommodate the potential for higher juror turnover due to the high-profile nature of the trial.

  • How does serving on a jury for an extended period impact jurors' personal and professional lives?

    -Serving on a jury for an extended period can be challenging for jurors, particularly in terms of financial stability and maintaining employment. Courts often select jurors who are less likely to face financial hardship, such as government employees or those not on a regular wage.

  • What is the expected timeline for the trial, considering the current pace of jury selection and the potential for further violations by Trump?

    -Given the swift jury selection and the potential for Trump to continue violating the gag order, the trial could progress more quickly than anticipated. It might see the government presenting its evidence within the first week or two, followed by the defense, potentially leading to a verdict within four weeks.

Outlines

00:00

๐Ÿ“š Trump's Jury Intimidation Backfires; Contempt Allegations Mount

The first paragraph discusses how Donald Trump's alleged jury intimidation is causing issues for his trial. A sworn-in jury member was excused due to concerns about identity leaks after Trump accused the jury of being liberal activists. This behavior is considered a potential violation of a gag order, with Judge Maran to decide on the matter. The prosecutors have presented seven contempt allegations against Trump, suggesting that he be held in criminal contempt. The usual process for handling such violations is outlined, where a warning is given followed by fines and potential jail time for repeated offenses. The paragraph also notes that Trump's actions are being viewed as backfiring, as seen in a tweet by Kyle Griffin, where Trump's attorney's request for witness information was denied due to Trump's social media behavior.

05:02

๐Ÿšจ New York State Law and Trump's Looming Contempt Hearing

The second paragraph delves into the specifics of New York state law regarding contempt, highlighting the difference between contempt committed in the judge's presence and contempt outside the courtroom. The latter requires a notice and a hearing, which is why Judge Maran scheduled a contempt hearing for a week after the initial request from prosecutors. The paragraph also discusses the judge's decision to not reveal the first three witnesses to Trump's defense, fearing that Trump would use the information to intimidate or endanger them. This move is seen as a departure from the norm and a direct response to Trump's inability to comply with the gag order.

10:02

๐ŸŽญ The Unprecedented Steps Taken to Protect the Jury's Integrity

The third paragraph focuses on the measures taken to ensure the anonymity and safety of the jurors in Trump's trial, comparing the situation to a previous case involving a dangerous RICO organization. It discusses how the judge has limited the public's knowledge about the jurors to protect their identities. The paragraph also touches upon the swift jury selection process and the anticipation of a relatively quick trial, with the possibility of a verdict within four weeks. It raises the question of the number of alternate jurors and addresses concerns about potential turnover during the trial.

15:05

๐Ÿ’ผ The Practicalities of Long-Term Jury Service and Its Impact

The fourth paragraph explores the logistics of serving on a jury for an extended period, such as six months. It explains that potential jurors are made aware of the commitment during the selection process and that government employees, retirees, or those not on a regular wage are typically chosen to avoid financial hardship. The paragraph also addresses how jurors manage their personal and professional lives during an extended trial and the importance of ensuring that serving on a jury does not impose undue financial strain.

Mindmap

Keywords

Jury Intimidation

Jury intimidation refers to actions or statements made to influence or pressure jurors into a particular decision, which is illegal and unethical. In the video, it is suggested that Donald Trump has been accused of intimidating the jury through social media posts, which has led to a juror being excused due to concerns about her identity being leaked.

Gag Order

A gag order is a legal restraint on public communication about legal proceedings, often issued to protect the integrity of a trial. The video discusses how Trump has allegedly violated the court's gag order by commenting on the jury and witnesses, leading to multiple contempt allegations.

Contempt Allegations

Contempt allegations are formal accusations that a person has disrespected the authority of a court, often by violating its rules or orders. The script mentions that there are seven contempt allegations against Trump for his repeated violations of the court's gag order.

Criminal Contempt

Criminal contempt refers to a more serious violation of a court's order, which can result in fines or jail time. The video suggests that Trump may become the first former president to be held in criminal contempt, which is a significant escalation from civil contempt.

Sanctions

Sanctions are penalties or punishments imposed for not obeying rules or orders, including court orders. The script discusses potential sanctions for Trump's contempt of court, which could include fines and jail time.

Anonymous Jury

An anonymous jury is a panel where the identities of the jurors are withheld from the public to protect them from outside influence or harm. The video mentions that the use of an anonymous jury in this case is a measure to protect jurors from potential intimidation or harm.

Jury Selection

Jury selection is the process of choosing suitable jurors for a trial. The video describes an unorthodox jury selection process where jurors could opt out if they felt they could not be fair, leading to a swift selection process.

Alternate Jurors

Alternate jurors are additional jurors who sit with the main jury but only take part in the deliberations if one of the primary jurors is unable to continue. The script notes that six alternate jurors are being selected for this trial, which is more than usual.

Character Assassination

Character assassination is the act of damaging a person's reputation through false or misleading information. The video suggests that if Trump knew the identities of the witnesses, he could potentially engage in character assassination against them through various media outlets.

RICO Conspiracy Organization

A RICO (Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act) conspiracy organization is a group involved in a pattern of criminal activity. The video compares the danger posed by such an organization to the perceived danger that Trump poses to the jurors and witnesses in his trial.

Due Administration of Justice

The due administration of justice refers to the proper carrying out of legal processes and procedures without interference or bias. The video discusses concerns that Trump's actions could interfere with the due administration of justice in his trial.

Highlights

Donald Trump's jury intimidation is backfiring on him at trial.

A jury member was excused due to concerns about identity leakage after Trump's accusations.

Trump accused the jury of being liberal activists, potentially influencing the trial's outcome.

Judge Maran will decide on the jury intimidation and possible violation of Trump's gag order.

Prosecutors have seven contempt allegations against Trump for violating the Court's gag order.

Trump could become the first former president held in criminal contempt.

The usual consequence for violating court orders includes warnings, fines, and potential jail time.

Trump has been given stern warnings but continues to violate Judge Maran's gag order.

A sanction of up to $1,000 per violation and 30 days in jail for each violation is possible.

Trump's actions are causing the prosecution to withhold witness names, fearing their safety.

The defense team will have to be prepared for every trial day without prior knowledge of witnesses.

Trump's defense may face difficulties due to the lack of trust from the prosecution.

Judge Maran has taken steps to protect juror identities by restricting public information about them.

The jury selection process was swift, with 12 jurors seated in less than three days.

The trial could progress quickly, possibly concluding within four weeks.

Six alternate jurors are selected, which is more than usual, to accommodate potential turnover.

Jurors for long trials are often government employees or individuals without financial hardship risks.

The trial's integrity is at risk due to Trump's attempts to influence the jury and witnesses.