Legal analysts discuss the impact of Costello's cross-examination, implications of the charging conference, and the importance of closing arguments in the trial of a former president. They delve into email exhibits, legal strategies, jury instructions, and jury doubt, offering insights with a hint of humor.
The prosecution aims to construct a strong timeline with hard evidence involving Trump for a comprehensive narrative.
The defense highlights Cohen's testimony as pivotal, injecting doubt and elevating his significance.
The defense strategy involves sowing doubt in various aspects of the case, challenging the coherence of the prosecution's argument.
Deep dives
The Focus on Timeline and Corroborating Evidence by the Prosecution
The prosecution in the upcoming summations is likely to emphasize constructing a timeline of events supported by hard evidence such as phone records, emails, and signed checks, notably those directly involving Donald Trump. By showcasing how testimonies from individuals like Michael Cohen corroborate key aspects, they aim to present a comprehensive narrative to the jury.
Elevating Michael Cohen's Testimony by the Defense
The defense is expected to highlight Michael Cohen's role as a crucial witness, suggesting that his testimony is pivotal but not conclusive on its own. By portraying Cohen's insights as invaluable and implying a reliance on his perspective, the defense aims to inject doubt into the prosecution's case and elevate the significance of Cohen's involvement.
Possible Use of Sowing Doubt Strategy by the Defense
The defense strategy is likely to involve meticulously sowing seeds of doubt across various aspects of the prosecution's claims, focusing on generating reasonable doubt even in minor aspects of the case. By dissecting potential inconsistencies or questions in the evidence, they seek to create a narrative of uncertainty that challenges the coherence of the prosecution's argument.
Judge Mershon's Impact on Future Trial Steps
Judge Mershon's pending ruling on motions like the judgment of acquittal and the potential aftermath of the trial, such as the verdict sheet intricacies, will significantly shape the trial's next steps. Decisions regarding acquittal, hung jury scenarios, or an appeal process post-conviction will be pivotal outcomes influenced by these forthcoming rulings.
The Verdict Sheet Dynamics and Possible Trial Outcomes
As the trial progresses towards its conclusion, the complex interactions related to the verdict sheet's 34 counts and the potential outcomes, including acquittal, conviction, or a hung jury scenario, highlight the multifaceted nature of the jury's decisions. The interplay between potential verdict variations underscores the pivotal role of each count in determining the ultimate trial outcome.
Ahead of Tuesday’s closing arguments in the first ever criminal trial of a former president, MSNBC legal analysts Andrew Weissmann and Mary McCord detail Tuesday’s crushing cross examination of Robert Costello by Susan Hoffinger, and what it means for the defense’s attempt to undermine Michael Cohen’s credibility. Then, what listeners should infer from the charging conference- as this determines what the jury can deliberate on. And big picture: what each side needs to accomplish in their respective closing arguments.
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