Podcast Summary
Trump Denied Closing Argument in Civil Fraud Case: Judge rejected Trump's request to make unsworn closing arguments during a civil fraud trial, labeling him a coward for not testifying under oath
During the 300 million dollar civil fraud case against Donald Trump in New York, the judge denied Trump's request to present his own closing argument. Trump had previously refused to testify under oath during the trial and wanted to use the closing argument as a platform to attack the attorney general, the judge, and the evidence, similar to a campaign rally. The request started with a simple logistical email about closing arguments and the New York attorney general's response. However, Trump's lawyer, Chris Kice, made it clear in an email that Trump wanted to make arguments without being under oath. The judge, not having any of it, shut down the idea, calling Trump a coward for not testifying under oath during the trial.
Legal procedures require communication and adherence: During legal proceedings, follow established procedures and communicate effectively with the court to avoid opposition and ensure a successful outcome.
During legal proceedings, communication and adherence to established procedures are crucial. In this case, the principal law clerk, who had been publicly criticized by Donald Trump's legal team, was still the point of contact for correspondence. Trump's team unexpectedly announced that the president planned to present arguments at the closing without obtaining the judge's permission, which was met with opposition. The New York attorney general's office cited legal precedent that a lawyer representing a party must handle court procedures unless dismissed. The judge holds discretion to allow exceptions. Instead of trying to break a habit drastically, Fume, a sponsor of the discussion, offers a more gradual solution. Fume is a flavored air device that allows users to replace bad habits with a more enjoyable alternative. It uses flavored air instead of vapor, is natural instead of electronic, and uses delicious flavors instead of harmful chemicals. Fume's adjustable airflow dial, movable parts, and magnets for fidgeting provide a helpful distraction while breaking a habit. The first-time use of Fume was reported to be more flavorful and fresh than expected.
Judge sets rules for Trump's closing argument: Judges have discretion to set rules for closing arguments, and violating them can have consequences.
During a legal dispute, a judge has the discretion to decide whether or not a party, such as Donald Trump in this case, is allowed to present a closing argument. Judge Angouren outlined specific rules for Trump if he is granted the opportunity to speak, including limiting his comments to relevant facts and law, not introducing new evidence, and avoiding irrelevant comments about the judge or the New York attorney general's staff. Despite the judge's inclination to let everyone have their say, Trump's team disagreed with the proposed conditions and declined the offer. The back-and-forth highlights the importance of understanding the rules and limitations of a legal proceeding, and the potential consequences for violating them.
Judge Refuses Trump's Request for Closing Statement: Judge Angouorron denied Trump's request for a closing statement due to logistical complications and his lack of status as a witness, maintaining focus on the case's evidence.
Judge Angouorron called Trump's bluff when the President expressed his intent to give a closing statement in a pending court case. The judge refused to grant further extensions for Trump to make his statement, as he was not sworn in as a witness and had already given statements through his attorneys. The judge maintained that the proceedings should stay focused on the evidence presented in the case. Additionally, Trump's request came with complications, as it required court officers, clerks, and administrators to rearrange their schedules and even led to the eviction of another jury trial. Despite Trump's frustration, the judge stood firm and ultimately assumed that Trump would not agree to the conditions set for his closing statement.
Judge Refuses Trump's Attempts to Delay Closing Arguments: Despite Trump's team trying to delay closing arguments using excuses and setting the judge as the bad guy, the judge refused and set the arguments for the following day, potentially leading to sanctions and restrictions for Trump and his entities in New York real estate and borrowing businesses.
During a recent court hearing in the New York Attorney General's case against Donald Trump and the Trump Organization, Trump's lawyers attempted to set up the judge as the bad guy and delay the closing arguments. However, the judge, Angouorin, expressed his desire to hear directly from Trump. Trump and his team balked at setting any preconditions and attempted to use Melania's mother's passing as an excuse to delay. The judge, however, refused and set the closing arguments for the following day. The case, which already involved 11 weeks of trial, 20 trial witnesses, and thousands of pages of exhibits, could result in Trump and his entities being sanctioned for persistent fraud and potentially being barred from New York real estate and borrowing businesses. The judge has already found evidence of fraud and had a financial monitor in place for over a year. The outcome of the closing arguments and the judge's decision will be reported on the Midas Touch Network and Legal AF podcast.
