In the historic criminal trial of former President Donald Trump, lawyers finalized the selection of 12 jurors to assess his guilt or innocence regarding a hush-money payment to a porn star.
Despite this milestone, both the defense and prosecution still need to select alternate jurors for the trial, a precedent-setting event in U.S. history.
Justice Juan Merchan, the overseeing judge, indicated that opening statements might commence on Monday.
Earlier, a juror was dismissed after expressing feeling intimidated due to the disclosure of personal information, while another was excused over potential undisclosed legal issues.
Trump’s outspoken presence during the jury selection process posed unique challenges, with approximately half of the initial 196 jurors in Manhattan dismissed for expressing difficulty in impartially assessing evidence.
Concerns about harassment prompted the judge to impose a partial gag order, particularly given Trump’s critiques of witnesses, prosecutors, and the judiciary.
One dismissed juror cited external pressures affecting her impartiality, highlighting the broader issue of public scrutiny and its impact on the trial’s fairness.
Despite facing criminal cases in multiple states, including Washington, Georgia, and Florida, the New York trial remains the only one scheduled for this year.
Trump faces charges of covering up a payment made by his former lawyer, Michael Cohen, to adult film actress Stormy Daniels. Cohen had previously pleaded guilty to campaign finance violations related to the payment.
The trial underscores the complexities of balancing public interest, fair trial procedures, and protection against harassment, with the judge taking measures to shield jurors’ identities and limit media reporting on their employment details.
Trump’s vocal criticisms have raised concerns about potential jury intimidation and compliance with the judge’s gag order, prompting prosecutors to request penalties for alleged violations.
