Former US President and Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump arrives for his criminal trial at Manhattan Criminal Court in New York City, on May 29, 2024. (AFP)
Trump faces accusations of illegally concealing hush-money payments made to adult film actress Stormy Daniels to keep their alleged affair secret before the 2016 US presidential elections, during which Melania Trump was pregnant with their son, Barron.
A 12-member jury is now deliberating the outcome, with a verdict expected as early as Wednesday, April 29, or in the following days. This decision could potentially make Trump the first former president convicted of a crime, a landmark ruling that could significantly impact the 2024 US presidential elections.
Trump has been charged with 34 misdemeanor counts of falsifying business records related to a $130,000 hush-money payment made by his former attorney, Michael Cohen, to Daniels. The prosecution argues these falsifications were part of a broader scheme to illegally influence the 2016 presidential election and prevent Daniels from speaking out about their alleged encounter.
However, Trump, the presumptive GOP presidential nominee for 2024, has vehemently denied all charges and pleaded not guilty, labeling the trial a political attack orchestrated by Biden ahead of the November elections.
For the criminal accusations to hold, jurors must agree with prosecutors that the deceptions were intended to commit or conceal another crime.
As jurors began deliberations on Wednesday, Judge Juan Merchan provided detailed instructions on the legal issues central to the case and outlined which details they should consider in determining Trump’s guilt.
Interestingly, none of the jurors looked at Trump as they entered the courtroom to begin deliberations. Additionally, Judge Merchan has instructed Trump to remain at the Manhattan courthouse during deliberations.
While the jury might announce a verdict as early as Wednesday afternoon, the decision could take several days or even a week.
Jurors have full access to all evidence presented in the case and can direct questions to the judge. Judge Merchan will consult with prosecutors and defense attorneys before responding to any inquiries.
The judge can only accept a verdict if all 12 jurors unanimously agree on all 34 counts. If they cannot reach a unanimous decision, the trial will result in a hung jury, and Judge Merchan will declare a mistrial.
Once the jurors notify the court that they have reached a verdict, both sides will be summoned to the courtroom for the judge to uphold the verdict and render a final judgment. Either party may also request the judge to override the jury’s decision.
By Ikshvashkuvanshi Ajay Kaushal
