Legal authority Michael Conway is sounding the alarm on New York Judge Arthur Engoron’s conduct during the $250 million civil fraud trial involving former President Donald Trump. Conway, a former House Judiciary Committee counsel, voiced unease about Engoron’s strong language and clashes with Trump’s legal team, warning that it might open the door to appellate challenges, as reported by the Conservative Brief on Sunday, December 3, 2023.
Conway emphasized the potential risk of accusations of judicial bias and urged Engoron to steer clear of reacting to provocations, stressing the critical need to uphold a fair and unbiased trial process.
Drawing parallels to the “Chicago 7” trial, Conway suggested that antagonizing the judge could be a strategic move by Trump’s legal team. He pointed out instances where Engoron used forceful language in dismissing Trump’s legal positions, sanctioned Trump’s attorneys, and underscored the judge’s responsibility to ensure decisions withstand appeal.
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In response to Conway’s critique, the legal expert advised Engoron to take proactive measures to avoid providing grounds for appellate challenges. Conway cautioned against reacting to Trump’s rhetoric or his lawyers’ provocations, underscoring the judge’s role in maintaining a fair and impartial trial environment.
Meanwhile, Christopher Kise, Trump’s lawyer, disclosed that the former president would be the final witness in the $250 million civil fraud case brought by New York Attorney General Letitia James. Trump’s testimony is scheduled for December 11, with Donald Trump Jr. set to testify for the defense on December 6.
Throughout the trial, Trump has consistently decried it as a witch hunt and criticized James, Judge Arthur Engoron, and his principal law clerk. Engoron imposed gag orders to prevent public comments about his clerk and expressed concern about threats and harassment directed at his chambers during the trial.
Recently, a state appeals court in New York reinstated a gag order against Trump and his lawyers, citing the need to protect the clerk from threats.
The legal proceedings have been marked by tensions between Trump, his legal team, and the court. Engoron’s rulings, particularly the finding that Trump defrauded banks by inflating his net worth for favorable loans, have faced criticism and sparked public confrontations.
Michael Conway’s critique adds another layer of scrutiny to the trial’s conduct and its potential impact on the appellate process. As Trump’s legal battles unfold, the dynamics of the courtroom and the judge’s approach become integral aspects of the case, with the delicate balance between ensuring a fair trial and responding to provocations holding significant implications for the legal landscape and public perception of this high-profile trial.
