A New York jury has found former US President Donald Trump guilty on all 34 felony counts of falsifying company records, in a historic ruling, according to Punch Newspaper.CONTINUE FULL READING>>>>>
This historic verdict raises important legal and ethical concerns regarding the responsibility of high-ranking officials and is the first time a former U.S. President has been found guilty of a crime. It also sends shockwaves through the political landscape.
The verdict was delivered in a Manhattan courtroom where Trump had been on trial since April 15.
Trump, who had pleaded not guilty to all charges, stood accused of falsifying business records related to a hush money payment made by his former lawyer, Michael Cohen, to adult film star Stormy Daniels.
This payment, made in the final weeks of the 2016 presidential election, was intended to prevent Daniels from publicly disclosing an alleged affair with Trump.
As the jury foreperson read out the word “guilty” for each of the 34 counts, Trump appeared visibly affected, looking down with narrowed eyes.
The jury reached its decision after 9.5 hours of deliberations, which began on Wednesday. This swift conclusion highlights the strength of the prosecution’s case and the jurors’ firm agreement on Trump’s guilt.
The conviction is unprecedented, making Trump the first former president in U.S. history to be found guilty of criminal charges.
This outcome not only tarnishes Trump’s legacy but also adds a complex layer to his current political aspirations, as he is the presumed Republican nominee for the 2024 presidential election.
Judge Juan Merchan, who presided over the trial, expressed gratitude to the jurors for their dedication and service throughout the weeks-long proceedings.
“You gave this matter the attention it deserved, and I want to thank you for that,” Merchan told them, according to NBC News.
His acknowledgment highlights the significance of the case and the meticulous effort required to reach a fair verdict.
In a move anticipated by many legal experts, Trump’s attorney, Todd Blanche, immediately made a motion for acquittal after the jury left the room.
However, Judge Merchan denied the motion, reinforcing the finality of the jury’s decision. This denial signals a robust confidence in the integrity of the trial and the validity of the evidence presented against Trump.
Prosecutor Joshua Steinglass played a pivotal role in the trial, delivering compelling closing arguments that emphasized the principle of equal justice under the law.
“The law is the law and it applies to everyone equally. There is no special standard for this defendant,” Steinglass asserted to the jury.
“You, the jury, have the ability to hold the defendant accountable,” he added, underscoring the fundamental democratic principle that no individual is above the law, regardless of their status or former office.CONTINUE FULL READING>>>>>