http://twitchy.com/dougp/2024/05/29/jonathan-turley-says-judge-merchan-just-gave-the-jury-a-coup-de-grace-instruction-against-trump-n2396743
George Washington University law professor Jonathan Turley has been following the trial of Donald Trump in Manhattan closely. Yesterday Turley pretty much considered the prosecution's closing arguments to be a dumpster fire and also has been far from impressed by Judge Juan Merchan's handling of the trial:
This morning Judge Merchan is delivering instructions to the jury before they begin deliberations. Turley spotted one completely outrageous instruction:
Jonathan Turley (@JonathanTurley) ~ ... Merchan just delivered the coup de grace instruction. He said that there is no need to agree on what occurred. They can disagree on what the crime was among the three choices. Thus, this means that they could split 4-4-4 and he will still treat them as unanimous ...
On Fox News a little while ago, Andy McCarthy called that instruction from the judge to the jury "really outrageous."
That's even more fuel for a possible Trump appeal.
Adam Lawson (@cigarsandlegs) ~ This is called “appealable error.”
Guy Benson (@guypbenson) ~ An insane, “choose your own adventure” jury instruction, under which the jurors don’t even need to agree on what supposed crime occurred in order to convict.
(((Aaron Walker))) (@AaronWorthing) ~ Despite the requirement of a unanimous jury being a constitutional right.
Lisa (@LisaAlesci) ~ So they’ve already saddled the horse and rigged the gib. This is what a kangaroo court looks like.
The judge seems to be working hard to get invited to a cocktail party at Robert De Niro's place, but we'll see how this all turns out. Stay tuned!
The essential American soul is hard, isolate, stoic, and a killer. It has never yet melted. ~ D.H. Lawrence
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