The judge presiding over former President Trump’s criminal prosecution in New York has rejected Trump’s efforts to exclude crucial evidence and testimony from his upcoming trial.
While prosecutors will not be allowed to play the infamous Access Hollywood tape to jurors, key witnesses, including Michael Cohen and Stormy Daniels, are permitted to testify.
Denial of Defense’s Arguments:
Trump’s defense argued against allowing Michael Cohen’s testimony, citing his history of lying. However, Judge Juan Merchan dismissed this argument, stating there is no legal basis for barring a witness due to credibility concerns.
Additionally, the judge ruled in favor of allowing Stormy Daniels to testify, emphasizing the evidence’s probative value regarding the $130,000 hush payment central to the case.
Exclusion of Access Hollywood Tape:
Although prosecutors cannot play the Access Hollywood tape during the trial, they are permitted to elicit testimony about its contents and its impact on Trump’s motives and intentions.
The tape’s relevance lies in establishing Trump’s intent behind the hush payment to Daniels and subsequent attempts to conceal it.
Nature of Trump’s Charges:
Trump faces 34 felony totals of falsifying business records, stemming from allegations of orchestrating hush money payments and falsifying New York business records to conceal potential criminal activity during the 2016 presidential election campaign.
According to unsealed court documents, prosecutors allege that Trump engaged in a scheme to influence the 2016 election through hush money payments facilitated by others and the falsification of business records.
The indictment accuses Trump of orchestrating payments to his lawyer for reimbursing hush payments made to individuals.
Trump’s Response and Trial Delay:
Trump maintains his integrity and has pleaded not guilty to all 34 counts.
However, his criminal trial in New York has been postponed until mid-April, delaying the legal proceedings as both sides prepare their arguments and evidence.