Trump Trials and Tribulations: Weekly Round-Up (May 1, 2024)
May 2, 2024
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Lawfare podcast editors discuss state-level prosecutions of fake electors, Judge Cannon's classified docs case, and NY hush money trial. They take audience questions and explore legal challenges faced by Trump, including potential indictments and political ramifications in different states.
State-level prosecutions of 'fake electors' involve Trump associates in Arizona.
Supreme Court weighs presidential immunity impact on democracy and legal nuances.
Strong testimonies in hush money trial implicate Trump's knowledge and false representations.
Deep dives
Overview of Arizona State Level Prosecutions
Arizona indictment involves fake elector plot, including prominent Arizona GOP figures and Trump associates. Indictment expands beyond state boundaries, implicating Trump associates. Prosecution involves unindicted co-conspirators and cooperating witnesses.
Legal Complexities in Trump Immunity Case
Supreme Court oral arguments focused on presidential immunity nuances, clear statement rule concerns, and potential practical consequences. Justices weigh long-lasting impact of ruling on presidency and democracy. Discussion navigates legal intricacies of immunity in the face of political implications.
Impressions from New York County Superior Supreme Court Case
Prosecution presents strong case with witnesses like David Pecker and Gary Farrow in hush money scheme trial. Witnesses corroborate Cohen's credibility and actions in Stormy Daniels payment saga. Testimonies provide crucial evidence of false representations and motivations behind arrangements.
Evidence of Affairs and Legal Authority of Secret Service in State Courthouse
Evidence from testimony and documents presented during the trial indicate that Trump had contact information for Stormy Daniels and Karen McDougal, suggesting knowledge of these relationships. Testimony also mentioned Stormy Daniels being sighted at Trump Tower. The Secret Service's presence in the state courthouse is authorized by their responsibility to protect former office holders, under the supremacy clause.
Potential Grounds for Successful Appeal
The legal theory presented during the trial, particularly around jury instructions and object offenses, may be a significant factor for a potential appeal. Judge's rulings on the legal concepts related to the charges, including intent and unanimity among the jury, could be areas that might be contested in an appeal process.
It's another episode of “Trump's Trials and Tribulations,” recorded on May 1 in front of a live audience on YouTube and Zoom.
Lawfare Editor-in-Chief Benjamin Wittes sat down with Lawfare Legal Fellow Anna Bower and Lawfare Senior Editors Roger Parloff and Quinta Jurecic to talk about state-level prosecutions of "fake electors," what Judge Cannon is up to in the classified documents case, and what has happened in the New York hush money and election interference trial so far. And of course, they took audience questions from Lawfare Material Supporters on Riverside.
To receive ad-free podcasts and to be able to submit questions to the panelists, become a Lawfare Material Supporter at www.patreon.com/lawfare. You can also support Lawfare by making a one-time donationat https://givebutter.com/c/trumptrials.