The article by Jonathan Turley outlines four potential issues with the Trump hush money trial that could lead to the conviction being overturned on appeal:
Judge Juan Merchan was specifically selected for the case rather than randomly assigned, and has a history of stringent rulings against Trump. Turley suggests this could be grounds for appeal.[1]
Manhattan DA Alvin Bragg charged Trump with violating state laws for conduct that the federal government declined to prosecute as a crime, an unprecedented legal theory according to Turley.[1]
Turley argues the jury instructions were confusing and did not properly guide the jury in this unique case.[1][3]
While other legal analysts disagree with Turley's assessment, he believes these issues present a "formidable target" that could lead to Trump's conviction being overturned on appeal.[1][3]
The article by Jonathan Turley outlines four potential issues with the Trump hush money trial that could lead to the conviction being overturned on appeal:
The JudgeThe Judge
Judge Juan Merchan was specifically selected for the case rather than randomly assigned, and has a history of stringent rulings against Trump. Turley suggests this could be grounds for appeal.[1]
The ChargesThe Charges
Manhattan DA Alvin Bragg charged Trump with violating state laws for conduct that the federal government declined to prosecute as a crime, an unprecedented legal theory according to Turley.[1]
The EvidenceThe Evidence
Turley questions the admission of Michael Cohen's plea agreement related to federal campaign finance violations as improper evidence.[1]
The Jury InstructionsThe Jury Instructions
Turley argues the jury instructions were confusing and did not properly guide the jury in this unique case.[1][3]
While other legal analysts disagree with Turley's assessment, he believes these issues present a "formidable target" that could lead to Trump's conviction being overturned on appeal.[1][3]
Sources
[1] Bragg's thrill kill in Manhattan could prove short-lived on appeal https://thehill.com/opinion/judiciary/4697118-braggs-thrill-kill-in-manhattan-could-prove-short-lived-on-appeal/
[2] Turley: Bragg's thrill kill in Manhattan could prove short-lived on ... https://www.allsides.com/news/2024-06-01-1015/general-news-turley-bragg-s-thrill-kill-manhattan-could-prove-short-lived
[3] Donald Trump Trial's Four 'Compelling Problems' Outlined by Legal ... https://www.newsweek.com/donald-trump-trial-four-compelling-problems-jonathan-turley-1907211
[4] Alvin Bragg - Breaking News, Photos and Videos | The Hill https://thehill.com/people/alvin-bragg/
[5] The Hill on X: ""Bragg's thrill kill in Manhattan could prove short-lived ... https://twitter.com/thehill/status/1797208048504603013