Trump Trial: Jury Instructions And Deliberations!

[Above: Eight years ago. Ugh.]

WE HAVE MADE IT TO THE END! Closing arguments were completed on Tuesday (read here for the very long recap!).

Jury instructions began at 10am promptly.

Judge Marchan started by tell the jurors: "I will now instruct you on the law." He added "It is not my responsibility to judge the evidence here. It is yours."

As typical in jury instructions, they were told not to consider race, color, national origin or sexual orientation and said they shouldn't allow any stereotypes to influence them. “You must set aside any personal opinions or bias. You must now allow any such opinions to influence your verdict.”

Reports are that Trump was sitting with his head lolling back and his eyes closed, per usual for an old man who can barely stay awake.

Judge Merchan reminds the jury that the defendant is innocent until proven guilty and the burden of proof lies solely with the prosecution.

The judge reminds the jury that they cannot can't draw a negative inferences from Trump not testifying. Trump opened his eyes and then closed them again, head tilted back once more. The judge went on: “The defendant is not required to prove that he is not guilty. The defendant is not required to prove or disprove anything.”

read more