Trump defense challenges jury selection in criminal hush money trial

The defense group for former President Trump is difficult the jury selection in his criminal hush money trial, saying there are regarding points that should be addressed. 

Trump’s defense submitted a pre-trial letter to the court docket on Friday laying out two considerations referring to jury selection. The letter got here the identical day that Judge Juan Merchan dismissed a last-ditch effort by the Trump group to delay the trial, which begins Monday.

The letter states that the defense opposes dismissing potential jurors who “self-identify as being unable to serve,” calling it insufficient. Instead, the defense mentioned they want to use a hybrid technique to distinguish between jurors who declare they can’t be truthful and neutral and people who are merely unable to serve.

“That clarity is necessary so that President Trump can present arguments to the First Department, if and when necessary, regarding the number of potential jurors who believed they harbored a disqualifying bias before questioning, as well as the number of additional potential jurors who reveal a disqualifying bias during questioning,” the letter learn.

‘I TELL THE TRUTH’: TRUMP SAYS HE’LL TESTIFY AT HUSH MONEY TRIAL AS JUDGE REJECTS LAST MINUTE PLEA

NEW YORK, NEW YORK – MARCH 25: Former President Donald Trump speaks throughout a press convention at 40 Wall Street after a pre-trial listening to on March 25, 2024 in New York City. Judge Juan Merchan scheduled Trump’s criminal trial to start on April 15, which might make it the primary criminal prosecution of a former American president. Trump was charged with 34 counts of falsifying enterprise information final 12 months, which prosecutors say was an effort to cover a possible intercourse scandal, each earlier than and after the 2016 election.   (Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images)

The defense additionally claims the jury questionnaire advantages the DA’s workplace by figuring out individuals who affiliate with Trump’s political occasion.

“Second, while we agree that whether a potential juror ‘likes or does not like’ President Trump is not the central focus of jury selection, it is well established that a potential juror’s ‘negative opinion’ is a form of ‘actual bias’” the letter reads.

Trump’s defense said that the questionnaire lacks a equally broad inquiry to determine potential jurors who align with rival political events that aren’t essentially “anti-Trump,” however might nonetheless help a disqualifying bias that’s worthy of a follow-up inquiry by the defense. 

“The Court’s questionnaire asks about connections to any other political entity affiliated with Mr. Trump, which is a fairly direct inquiry regarding Republican Party affiliation. On the other hand, however, Questions 29. E-H ask only about ‘anti-Trump’ groups. People can have political or policy views that lead to disqualifying bias without being ‘anti-Trump.’ Thus, the questionnaire benefits DANY by identifying people who affiliate with President Trump’s political party,” the letter continued. 

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NEW YORK, NEW YORK – MARCH 25: Former president Donald Trump speaks to the media as he attends a pre-trial listening to at Criminal Court on March 25, 2024 in New York City.  (Getty Images)

“To the extent the Court fails to remedy this asymmetry in the questionnaire, defense counsel must be permitted leeway to probe such affiliations during the jury selection process,” the letter completed.

Trump’s trial is said to accusations he falsified enterprise information to cowl up a cost to grownup movie star Stormy Daniels through the 2016 election and is scheduled to start Monday.

“I’m testifying. I tell the truth. I mean, all I can do is tell the truth,” Trump advised reporters at a press convention at Mar-a-Lago Friday. “And the truth is, that there’s no case.”

Trump referred to as his trial a “scam” and a “witch hunt” when requested if he deliberate to testify at his upcoming trial.

“What they have done is incredible. It’s election interference, and it’s got to stop. It’s a third-world country. This country has never done it,” the previous president mentioned.

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Trump’s trial comes as he prepares to problem President Biden for one more White House time period later this 12 months. Hunter Biden, the president’s son, faces authorized challenges of his personal, together with federal tax and gun prices. 

Fox News’ Elizabeth Elkind and Brooke Singman contributed to this report.