A 12-member jury has convicted former US President Donald Trump of all 34 counts in the hush money trial. Trump, who will be sentenced on July 11, was charged with falsifying business records. This makes Trump the first US President to be convicted of any crime.
According to the prosecution, Trump's former lawyer, Michael Cohen, paid off adult star Stormy Daniels $130,000 for her silence about her affair with Trump before the 2016 elections. Cohen added that Trump directed him to pay Daniels to prevent her from damaging his chance of winning the elections.
The former president called the verdict a 'disgrace' and maintained that he was innocent. He also claimed that the trial was rigged by a corrupt judge.
Meanwhile, republican leaders reacted to the verdict, calling it the most shameful day in American history. The leaders also claimed that the judicial system has become 'corrupt and rigged' under the Democrats and the Biden Administration.
Speaking to CNBC-TV18, Jonathan Entin, Professor at Case Western Reserve University School of Law, explained that the prosecution's use of numerous witnesses and extensive documentation strengthened their case. They did not rely solely on Michael Cohen, whose credibility is questionable. This comprehensive approach helped them present a coherent, compelling narrative to the jury.
Entin further noted that the
Read Here | Donald Trump convicted of felony: The hush money scandal — A timeline
When asked about the possibility of jail time for Trump, Entin stated that while the law allows for a criminal sentence, he is unlikely to serve jail time. As a first-time offender convicted of a non-violent crime, Trump is more likely to face a fine and probation, the standard sentence for similar offences.
Regarding the appeals process, Entin outlined two levels of appeal within the New York State court system. The case will first go to an intermediate court of appeals, and if Trump loses there, he can appeal to the highest court in New York State. This court's decision regarding state law is typically final. If Trump loses at this level, he could attempt to bring the case to the U.S. Supreme Court, but only if he raises a federal constitutional issue.
Entin remarked that the impact of the conviction on Trump's political future is unlikely to change the Republican Party's stance on Trump. Many Republican leaders support Trump's narrative of a biased charge and trial.
However, the conviction could influence undecided voters, potentially swaying them away from Trump. Whether these voters would support President Biden, a third-party candidate, or an independent like Robert F. Kennedy Jr remains uncertain. For most people, the conviction will likely reinforce their opinions about Trump.
Watch this video for more.
According to the prosecution, Trump's former lawyer, Michael Cohen, paid off adult star Stormy Daniels $130,000 for her silence about her affair with Trump before the 2016 elections. Cohen added that Trump directed him to pay Daniels to prevent her from damaging his chance of winning the elections.
The former president called the verdict a 'disgrace' and maintained that he was innocent. He also claimed that the trial was rigged by a corrupt judge.
Meanwhile, republican leaders reacted to the verdict, calling it the most shameful day in American history. The leaders also claimed that the judicial system has become 'corrupt and rigged' under the Democrats and the Biden Administration.
Speaking to CNBC-TV18, Jonathan Entin, Professor at Case Western Reserve University School of Law, explained that the prosecution's use of numerous witnesses and extensive documentation strengthened their case. They did not rely solely on Michael Cohen, whose credibility is questionable. This comprehensive approach helped them present a coherent, compelling narrative to the jury.
Entin further noted that the
Trump defence team lacked a similarly coherent theory. Although they are not legally required to present an alternative story, having a strong narrative is crucial in raising reasonable doubt among jurors.
Read Here | Donald Trump convicted of felony: The hush money scandal — A timeline
When asked about the possibility of jail time for Trump, Entin stated that while the law allows for a criminal sentence, he is unlikely to serve jail time. As a first-time offender convicted of a non-violent crime, Trump is more likely to face a fine and probation, the standard sentence for similar offences.
Regarding the appeals process, Entin outlined two levels of appeal within the New York State court system. The case will first go to an intermediate court of appeals, and if Trump loses there, he can appeal to the highest court in New York State. This court's decision regarding state law is typically final. If Trump loses at this level, he could attempt to bring the case to the U.S. Supreme Court, but only if he raises a federal constitutional issue.
Entin remarked that the impact of the conviction on Trump's political future is unlikely to change the Republican Party's stance on Trump. Many Republican leaders support Trump's narrative of a biased charge and trial.
However, the conviction could influence undecided voters, potentially swaying them away from Trump. Whether these voters would support President Biden, a third-party candidate, or an independent like Robert F. Kennedy Jr remains uncertain. For most people, the conviction will likely reinforce their opinions about Trump.
Watch this video for more.
(Edited by : Swapnil Deshpande)
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