Jury to Begin Deliberations in Trump Trial

By EpochTimes - Catherine Yang, Michael Washburn - May 29, 2024

Justice Merchan said prosecutors have the burden of proof beyond a reasonable doubt not only that the charged crime was committed, but that President Trump committed the crime. A verdict could be reached as soon as today.

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"Under our law, Michael Cohen is an accomplice," he added. "Our law provides that the defendant may not be convicted of any crime based on the testimony of an accomplice unless it is supported by corroborating evidence tending to connect the defendant to the commission of a crime."

Justice Merchan explained the meaning of "reasonable doubt" to jurors. He also gave jurors a list of questions they should ask, and things they should consider.

"Did the witness have an opportunity tosee or hear the events about which he or she testified?" he said. "Was the testimony of the witness consistent or inconsistent with other evidence or testimony in the case?'

"You may consider whether a witness had, or did not have, a motive to lie," he also said. "You may consider whether a witness hopes for or expects a benefit for testifying."

Judge Reminds Jurors They Can't Read Into Trump Not Testifying

 "Throughout these proceedings, the defendant is presumed to be innocent," Justice Merchan reminded jurors. "As a result, you must find the defendant not guilty unless the evidence presented by the People proves the defendant to be guilty beyond a reasonable doubt."

"The fact that the defendant did not testify is not a fact on which any inferene as to guilt may be drawn," he said. "The burden or proof never shifts from the People to the defendant."

Key witnesses at trial had signed agreements: David Pecker, former head of American Media Inc., had signed a non-prosecution agreement related to two stories he purchased mentioned in the case, and Michael Cohen had pleaded guilty on campaign finance charges.

Justice Merchan reminded jurors that these agreements were allowed into evidence to let jurors assess the witnesses'  credibility and for context only.

Judge Reminds Jurors They Do Not Consider Sentencing. "I direct you to decide this case on the evidence and law as it related to the defendant on trial here," he said.

"Remember also, in your deliberations, you may not consider or speculate about matters relating to sentence of punishment," Justice Merchan said. "When you judge the facts, you are to consider only the evidence."

Judge Begins Instructions - 30 min ago.

Jurors were brought back into the courtroom and Justice Merchan began his instructions.

He said he will first begin with general principles that apply to all criminal cases, and next define the crimes charged in this case, how the law applies, and elements of the charged crimes.

Trump Raises Fist, Entering Courtroom - 48 mins ago

President Trump entered the courtroom minutes before 10 a.m. with a large group of supporters, and did not give his customary morning remarks today.