Connect with us

CBS News

Trump trial jury set to begin deliberating verdict today after judge issues instructions

Avatar

Published

on


The jury in Donald Trump’s criminal trial in New York is set to begin deliberations Wednesday, marking the beginning of the end of the first criminal trial against a former president in U.S. history.

The 12 Manhattan residents will be tasked with reaching a unanimous verdict on each of the 34 felony counts of falsification of business records that Trump faces. Prosecutors allege he disguised the purpose of a year’s worth of reimbursements to his attorney Michael Cohen, who paid $130,000 in “hush money” to adult film star Stormy Daniels before the 2016 election. Trump has pleaded not guilty.

Before deliberations get underway, Justice Juan Merchan, the judge overseeing the trial, will issue crucial instructions to the jury, laying out the legal issues they must consider and the conclusions they must reach to find Trump guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. The judge mostly sided with prosecutors during a hearing last week over what exactly those instructions will entail.

On Tuesday, lawyers on both sides of the case presented their closing arguments in the Manhattan courtroom where the trial has unfolded over the past six weeks. Trump’s attorney Todd Blanche took direct aim at Cohen, saying his testimony was littered with lies and claiming that he acted on his own when he made the payment to Daniels. Blanche argued that there were plenty of reasons to doubt the story told by prosecutors, and said their case hinged on Cohen’s unreliable testimony.

Joshua Steinglass, a prosecutor for the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office, said that Cohen was far from a perfect witness, but asked jurors to focus on the documents that he said corroborate his account. He portrayed Trump as a micromanager who would not have signed $35,000 checks to Cohen if he did not know their true purpose.

Court reconvenes at 10 a.m.



Read the original article

Leave your vote

Continue Reading

CBS News

China reacts to Trump’s tough talk on tariffs and Taiwan

Avatar

Published

on


China reacts to Trump’s tough talk on tariffs and Taiwan – CBS News


Watch CBS News



Beijing is bracing for President-elect Donald Trump’s tough stance on tariffs and Taiwan. Ramy Inocencio has more on Trump’s possible plans and the reaction they are eliciting abroad.

Be the first to know

Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.




Read the original article

Leave your vote

Continue Reading

CBS News

Woman gives emotional testimony in Idaho abortion ban case

Avatar

Published

on


Woman gives emotional testimony in Idaho abortion ban case – CBS News


Watch CBS News



Kayla Smith, one of the plaintiffs in a lawsuit against Idaho’s restrictive abortion ban, tells Nicole Valdez about “the most traumatic experience” of her life. She and five other women are suing the state to clarify and expand abortion exceptions.

Be the first to know

Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.




Read the original article

Leave your vote

Continue Reading

CBS News

Palestinians hope Trump will end the war in Gaza

Avatar

Published

on


Palestinians hope Trump will end the war in Gaza – CBS News


Watch CBS News



Almost two million Palestinians have endured over a year of violence and are looking to a new administration in Washington for help. Elizabeth Palmer speaks with Palestinians about their hopes and the difficult road to peace.

Be the first to know

Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.




Read the original article

Leave your vote

Continue Reading

Copyright © 2024 Breaking MN

Log In

Forgot password?

Forgot password?

Enter your account data and we will send you a link to reset your password.

Your password reset link appears to be invalid or expired.

Log in

Privacy Policy

Add to Collection

No Collections

Here you'll find all collections you've created before.