As the first week of the first criminal trial of a former President in U.S. history wraps up, we prepare for our special coverage of People v. Trump by stepping back to remember how we got here. Why is Donald Trump being prosecuted for paying off Stormy Daniels, anyway? Who are all of these people? How good is the prosecution’s case, really? And what can we expect from the defense? 

We also answer a few patron questions about the trial, after which subscribers will enjoy a dramatic rendition of the best bit of this week’s gag order violation hearing: Trump attorney Todd Blanche’s struggle to convince the court that his client’s retweets are not, as a matter of law, endorsements. 

PATRON EXTRA! Beginning now, Patreon subscribers will enjoy longer episodes with special bonus content as part of our special coverage of People v. Trump: Thomas and Matt’s readings from our  favorite parts of the daily trial transcripts. Subscribe at www.patreon.law/law for the good stuff!

• Indictment and Statement of Facts, People v. Trump (4/4/2023)

• New York jury instructions for Falsifying Business Records in the First Degree (NY Penal Law 175.10)

• Justice Merchan’s ruling on Trump’s Motion to Dismiss (2/15/24)

• Daily trial transcripts in People v. Trump

If you’d like to support the show (and lose the ads!), please pledge at patreon.com/law!