New York City, New York – A historic criminal trial involving former US President Donald Trump has sworn in a full 12-person jury, marking a significant milestone in the legal proceedings. The trial, the first of its kind where a former president stands as the defendant, centers around accusations of falsifying business records related to a hush-money payment to adult film star Stormy Daniels before the 2016 election.
After a swift jury selection process, Justice Juan Merchan announced the completion of the jury panel, consisting of seven men and five women. The court is now preparing to hear opening arguments as early as Monday, moving the trial forward more rapidly than some expected. Despite facing 34 counts of falsifying business records, brought by Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, Trump has maintained his plea of not guilty.
As Trump departed the courtroom, he denounced the charges as politically motivated, expressing discontent with the proceedings. In response to criticisms, Trump emphasized the global attention on the trial, characterizing it as a “hoax.” Additionally, he voiced concerns about the cold temperature in the courtroom, describing it as “freezing.”
The day’s jury selection faced challenges, with two jurors being excused due to external factors impacting their impartiality. Justice Merchan took measures to protect the remaining jurors’ identities after concerns arose regarding the potential influence of external opinions on their decision-making.
The prosecution and defense teams engaged in thorough scrutiny of potential jurors, dismissing those who voiced strong opinions about Trump that could impact their impartiality. Despite the challenges in finding jurors, the court eventually selected a pool of individuals willing to serve on the panel.
Throughout the selection process, the court navigated various issues, including dismissing jurors with personal connections to the case or past social media posts that raised concerns about bias. As the trial progresses, legal experts anticipate unprecedented public pressure on all involved parties, underscoring the trial’s significance in legal and political realms. The search for impartial jurors continues, with additional standbys being sought to ensure a fair and just trial process.