The judge in former President Donald J. Trump’s Manhattan criminal trial, Juan M. Merchan, issued detailed instructions to jurors on Wednesday as they prepared to deliberate on the case. The instructions provided by Judge Merchan were aimed at guiding the jurors on the application of the law in their deliberations.
The judge began by emphasizing the importance of reviewing the general principles of law applicable to the case, defining the crimes charged, and outlining the elements of each charged crime. He also highlighted the process of jury deliberations, stressing the jurors’ role in determining the defendant’s guilt or innocence.
Judge Merchan reminded the jurors of their commitment to be fair and impartial, urging them to set aside any personal bias or prejudice. He cautioned against allowing stereotypes or attitudes to influence their verdict, emphasizing the need for a fair assessment of the evidence.
Throughout the instructions, the judge reiterated that he was not expressing any opinion on the case’s facts or the defendant’s guilt. He emphasized the jurors’ responsibility in evaluating the evidence and making a decision based on the facts presented during the trial.
Furthermore, the judge provided guidance on evaluating witnesses’ credibility, instructing the jurors to consider various factors such as the witness’s opportunity to observe, consistency of testimony, bias or interest, and previous criminal conduct. He emphasized the importance of analyzing evidence and drawing reasonable inferences based on proven facts.
In discussing the presumption of innocence, burden of proof, and proof beyond a reasonable doubt, Judge Merchan clarified the standard for a guilty verdict. He explained that the People must prove the defendant’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt and highlighted the jury’s role in assessing the evidence presented.
The instructions also covered evidentiary inferences, redactions in exhibits, and the prohibition on considering matters relating to sentencing during deliberations. The judge underscored the importance of a fair assessment of the evidence, free from bias or speculation.
Overall, Judge Juan M. Merchan’s detailed instructions provided jurors with a comprehensive guide to apply the law in their deliberations, ensuring a fair and impartial process in determining the fate of the defendant in the Trump hush-money trial.
