Discussing the aftermath of Sam Bankman-Fried's guilty verdict, the hosts speculate on his potential sentence and the fate of the cooperating witnesses. They reflect on the emotions displayed by those involved and the impact of Sam's downfall. They also explore the limitations of sentencing guidelines and offer practical advice for defendants.
Sam Bankman-Freed was found guilty on all seven counts, with the judge now moving forward with scheduling the sentencing.
The cooperating witnesses in the trial, if convicted, are likely to receive probation rather than imprisonment due to their cooperation and lack of prior criminal history.
Deep dives
Sam Bankman Freed found guilty on all charges
Sam Bankman Freed was found guilty on all seven counts. This came as a surprise to both the prosecutor and the defense lawyer, as there was a little suspense leading up to the verdict. Despite the expectation of a conviction, the actual moment still carried a weight of gravity. The judge will now move forward with scheduling the sentencing, which is not expected until the end of March. Various factors will be considered in determining the sentence, including the seriousness of the offense, general deterrence, and the presence of aggravating factors such as obstructing justice. There is speculation that Sam's sentence may range from 10 to 30 years.
Probation or jail time for cooperating witnesses
For the cooperating witnesses in the trial, Caroline Ellison, Gary Longnashad Singh, and Nishad Singh, the question remains whether they will face probation or jail time. Typically, first-time offenders in white-collar cases who cooperate with the prosecution receive probation rather than imprisonment. However, the severity of the charges may impact the outcome. While the judge could potentially impose jail time, it is more likely that the cooperating witnesses will be sentenced to probation, considering their age, lack of prior criminal history, and their quick decision to cooperate with the authorities.
Post-verdict reflections and emotions
In the aftermath of the verdict, there are mixed emotions from those who were close to Sam Bankman Freed. While some individuals, such as Natalie Pinn and Sam's parents, experienced a sense of grief and sadness, others, including former employees at FTX, expressed a surprising lack of anger towards Sam. Instead, there is a feeling of confusion and loss of purpose. Sam had the ability to inspire and provide individuals with a sense of direction, making them feel like they had a purpose. Now, with the downfall of Sam's empire, they find themselves grappling with the question of what comes next.
Reflections on the legal system and the trial
Michael Lewis and Rebecca Mermelstein discuss their reflections on the trial and the American legal system as a whole. The trial process, though not inherently unfair in this case, raised concerns about the potential for injustice. It highlighted the power of the federal government when prosecuting a case and the challenges defendants face. While Lewis contemplates the veil of ignorance concept from Rawlsian philosophy, Mermelstein offers practical advice for anyone finding themselves in legal trouble: never speak to the police without a lawyer present. Overall, the trial served as a reminder of the need for legal guidance and the potential for individual rights to be undermined within the criminal justice system.
It's all over. Sam Bankman-Fried was found guilty on all seven counts. But what now? Michael Lewis, Lidia Jean Kott, and Judging Sam’s legal expert, O’Melveny defense attorney Rebecca Mermelstein, reflect on the outcome and look ahead to sentencing, SBF's other legal troubles, and the fate of the cooperating witnesses.
This conversation was recorded on November 7.
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