Legal expert Michael Conway delivers a scathing critique of Judge Author Engoron’s language and conduct during former President Donald Trump’s ongoing $250 million civil fraud trial, raising concerns about potential grounds for appeal.
Conway, a former House Judiciary Committee counsel, draws parallels to the historic “Chicago 7” trial, suggesting that Trump’s legal strategy seems aimed at antagonizing the judge. According to a report by the Conservative Brief, Conway highlights Engoron’s clashes with Trump’s legal team, emphasizing that the judge’s use of profanity during testimony could provide solid grounds for an appeal.
Engoron’s forceful rejection of Trump’s legal positions, labeling them as ‘pure sophistry,’ ‘risible,’ ‘bogus arguments,’ and ‘egregious,’ may pose a risk of appellate disagreement, Conway notes. While justified harsh language is acceptable, Conway cautions Engoron against giving rise to allegations of judicial bias, especially after sanctioning five Trump attorneys for what he deems as ‘borderline frivolous’ arguments, adding a layer of complexity to the trial’s dynamics.
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Emphasizing the importance of avoiding reactions to Trump’s provocative speech and his lawyers’ baiting, Conway urges Engoron to prevent an appellate court from overturning his decisions. Amidst these concerns, Trump’s lawyer, Christopher Kise, announces that Trump will testify as the last witness in the civil fraud case on December 11, with Trump’s son, Donald Trump Jr., taking the stand for the defense on December 6.
Despite Trump denouncing the case as a witch hunt and alleging political bias against Attorney General Letitia James, Judge Engoron, and his law clerk, Allison Greenfield, Conway highlights the delicate balance Engoron must maintain to prevent potential appellate scrutiny. Engoron has imposed gag orders to curb public comments on Greenfield and expressed concern about threatening messages received during the trial.
Last week, a state appeals court reinstated a gag order against Trump, rejecting his appeal and maintaining orders against him and his lawyers. As tensions escalate between Engoron and Trump’s legal team, questions arise about the potential impact on the trial’s outcome and the judge’s impartiality.
With the 2024 presidential race looming, Trump’s strategy to portray the trial as politically motivated gains prominence. The trial’s trajectory underscores the delicate balance Engoron must maintain to safeguard his decisions from potential appellate scrutiny amid the escalating tensions.
