The trial of former President Donald Trump began in New York, focusing on allegations linked to undisclosed payments to Stormy Daniels.
Alan Dershowitz, Harvard Law School Professor Emeritus, labeled the jury composition as detrimental to Trump, indicating it might hinder his chance of a favorable verdict.
Dershowitz shared his concerns on Newsmax about the nature of the jury selected for Donald Trump's criminal trial. The trial, starting Friday, saw the finalization of 12 jurors and six alternates. These jurors are to decide on the matter of alleged hush money payments to adult film actress Stormy Daniels, which Trump is accused of concealing.
Dershowitz suggested that the jurors' potential bias was influenced by media outlets like the New York Times and social platforms such as TikTok. He expressed doubts regarding their impartiality, calling it "maybe the best you can do with a New York jury pool, but it's not a good jury for Donald Trump."
During the trial, the defense team faced challenges when they requested the identities of the prosecution's first three witnesses. The request was denied by prosecutor Joshua Steinglass, who voiced concerns about possible retaliation through social media—a medium Trump has actively used in the past. The sitting judge, Juan Merchan, supported this decision.
Dershowitz criticized this ruling, mentioning it hindered the defense's ability to prepare adequately. He commented on the trial's procedural aspects, emphasizing the difficulties posed by withholding witness information, which he deemed "not fair."
Further complications arose when a gag order was imposed on Trump. Dershowitz slammed this decision too, stating it was "outrageously unfair" and infringed on Trump's First Amendment rights. The attorney strongly advocated for the necessity of criticism in democracy, especially for those involved in judicial processes.
With the adversities faced, Dershowitz speculated that the trial might, at best, culminate in a hung jury. He remained skeptical about the possibility of an acquittal given the jury's perceived predispositions. "The best he's likely to do is a hung jury," Dershowitz remarked, doubting the jurors' likelihood to acquit.
This reflection by Dershowitz suggests a tough road ahead for Trump's legal team. Considering the judicial and public hurdles, Dershowitz advised the defense should be prepared to call for a recess immediately upon the disclosure of witness names to formulate appropriate responses.
The trial proceedings and Dershowitz's commentary highlight an often tense and controversial intersection of law, politics, and media influence. As the trial progresses, all eyes will remain fixed on how these elements interplay and shape the eventual outcomes.
To summarize, the trial of Donald Trump in New York has commenced with significant concerns raised by Alan Dershowitz regarding the jury composition and trial procedures. The professor emeritus described the jury as possibly the best obtainable in New York, yet not ideal for a fair trial. With issues surrounding witness anonymity and a gag order, Dershowitz flagged substantial challenges in defending Trump. His predictions lean towards a hung jury, reflecting his reservations about achieving a straightforward acquittal in this highly charged atmosphere.
