Legal challenges for the president-elect intensify as a Manhattan judge dismisses the appeal linked to a hush-money case.
At a Glance
- Lawyers for Donald Trump cite “grave juror misconduct” in New York criminal case.
- Judge Juan Merchan dismisses the appeal due to lack of definitive evidence.
- Trump’s attorneys argue for dismissal based on alleged misconduct and presidential immunity.
- Manhattan DA’s office describes claims as “vague” and unsubstantiated.
Dismissal of Appeal
A recent legal setback has hit the president-elect, following the Manhattan judge’s decision to dismiss an appeal in a hush-money case. Donald Trump’s attorneys alleged “grave juror misconduct” and contended that it infringed upon the constitutional rights of their client. According to Trump’s legal team, a juror had reportedly contacted them, raising questions about the verdict’s validity. However, the court found these allegations insufficient due to their basis in conjecture rather than compelling evidence.
Judge Juan Merchan ordered the release of the letter containing the misconduct claims but criticized Trump’s attorneys for not providing sworn statements. Prosecutors highlighted that the misconduct claims were vague, attributing them to hearsay rather than fact.
President-elect Donald Trump's lawyers have urged a judge to overturn his conviction on criminal charges stemming from hush money paid to a porn star because of alleged juror misconduct https://t.co/ywiT6oucDb pic.twitter.com/LEmIZLRBpe
— Reuters Legal (@ReutersLegal) December 17, 2024
Legal and Political Implications
On social media, Trump expressed discontent with Merchan’s judgment, terming it a “completely illegal psychotic order.” Allegations of jury misconduct in such high-profile cases are serious and necessitate thorough investigation. As Judge Merchan noted, such claims cannot be resolved on hearsay alone. Trump’s legal team has explored various legal avenues, referencing a Supreme Court ruling on presidential immunity and attempting to transition the case to a federal court.
“Allegations of juror misconduct should be thoroughly investigated. However, this Court is prohibited from deciding such claims on the basis of mere hearsay and conjecture.” – Judge Juan Merchan
Trump’s legal woes are complicated by his ongoing attempts to overturn the criminal conviction associated with a hush-money deal involving adult film actress Stormy Daniels. Sentencing remains undetermined pending the resolution of appeals.
⚖️🗽 Trump's lawyers cite alleged juror misconduct in bid to overturn hush money verdict
Donald Trump’s legal team has requested a judge overturn his conviction related to hush money payments, alleging juror misconduct, though details remain under seal.
This follows Trump's… pic.twitter.com/1HPzZD8K9V
— PiQ (@PiQSuite) December 17, 2024
The Path Ahead
Trump’s defense lawyers are strategizing to resolve the legal entanglement before his term commences. Despite setbacks, they continue to argue for a dismissal based on alleged juror bias and prosecutorial error. The Manhattan DA’s office maintains that Trump’s claims are unsubstantiated, accusing the defense of circumventing proper legal protocols by avoiding sworn declarations.
“The extensive and pervasive misconduct at issue violated President Trump’s rights under the federal Constitution and New York law” – Trump attorneys Todd Blanche and Emil Bove
As the legal battle unfolds, the president-elect’s future hangs in the balance, with implications not just for his presidency, but potentially for the American political landscape. Legal experts suggest that clearer evidence or substantial sworn statements are critical for any potential overturning of his conviction.
Sources
1. Trump claims jury misconduct in latest attempt to discredit hush money conviction
2. Trump lawyers allege ‘grave juror misconduct’ in their latest attack on hush money conviction
