Against the Rules with Michael Lewis

Judging Sam: The Hail Mary That Wasn’t

10 snips
Nov 1, 2023
Lydia Jean Kott, a court reporter covering the Sam Bankman-Fried trial, dives into the dramatic final days of the courtroom saga. She discusses the prosecution's closing arguments and the pivotal moments during witness testimonies. Lydia reveals the tension surrounding key pieces of evidence and the emotional stakes of the crypto ambitions at play. The ethical implications of risk-taking and accountability in finance also come to the forefront, making for a riveting conversation about the complexities of justice.
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ANECDOTE

The Courthouse Line

  • Lydia Jean waited outside the courthouse for seven hours to secure a spot.
  • People were secretive about their arrival times to avoid escalating the competition.
INSIGHT

Trial Proceedings

  • The prosecution's cross-examination of Sam Bankman-Fried concluded, with SBF claiming memory lapses.
  • The defense conducted a redirect examination, and both sides rested their cases.
ANECDOTE

Charging Conference Disagreements

  • The prosecution and defense debated jury instructions, including the concept of "conscious avoidance."
  • The defense argued against including conscious avoidance as a charge.
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