Former federal prosecutor Robert Mintz discusses a legal case involving Trump and classified documents. Maritime law expert Martin Davies talks about the Baltimore bridge collapse. Topics include presidential records classification, legal proceedings in Trump's hush money trial, judicial challenges, gag orders in trials, and limited liability for ship owners.
Legal battle over handling of classified documents by Trump raises concerns about potential acquittal based on Presidential Records Act interpretations.
Collapse of Baltimore bridge highlights maritime law complexities and importance of infrastructure safety.
Deep dives
Legal Battle Over Trump's Classified Documents
The legal battle over former President Trump's handling of classified documents continues as prosecutors challenge the judge's focus on the Presidential Records Act. Prosecutors argue that designating national security documents as personal under the Act is baseless and could potentially influence an acquittal. The Special Counsel asserts that Trump did not label the documents as personal while in office, leading to a clash over legal interpretations and factual accounts.
Challenges with Jury Instructions and Acquittal Concerns
The dispute intensifies as the judge's consideration of jury instructions on the Presidential Records Act raises concerns of potential acquittal for former President Trump. Prosecutors express frustration at the judge's handling of the case and the impact these instructions might have on the trial's outcome. Special Counsel's direct response to the judge's decisions signifies a critical phase in the legal battle.
Implications of Delay Requests and Trial Start
Former President Trump's repeated requests to delay the trial's start, including a recent motion regarding immunity from prosecution, face rejection by the judge. The judge's decisions on these motions intensify the legal proceedings, indicating a push for trial commencement despite the defense team's efforts to postpone. The motivation behind these delay requests and their strategic implications shape the course of the trial.
Significance of Gag Orders and Judicial Challenges
The expansion of gag orders to include remarks by former President Trump about the judge's family heightens legal tensions and judicial discretion. The challenges of balancing First Amendment rights and trial conduct emerge as a critical aspect of the legal battle. The judge's decisions on gag orders and recusal motions reflect pivotal moments in the case's progression.
Former federal prosecutor Robert Mintz, a partner at McCarter & English, discusses Special Counsel Jack Smith’s attempt to get Judge Aileen Cannon to make a ruling in the classified documents case against Donald Trump. Maritime law expert Martin Davies, Director of the Maritime Law Center at Tulane Law School, discusses the collapse of the Baltimore bridge. June Grasso hosts.