In the midst of the high-stakes $250 million civil fraud trial against Donald Trump in Manhattan, legal expert Michael Conway, a former House Judiciary Committee counsel, expresses serious reservations about Judge Arthur Engoron’s handling of the proceedings, warning that his actions may reverberate through the legal process.
Conway, in an incisive column for MSNBC, draws a stark parallel between Trump’s trial and the infamous “Chicago 7” case, highlighting Trump’s apparent strategy of provoking Judge Engoron, who has already unearthed evidence of fraud.
As reported by the Conservative Brief on Thursday, December 28, 2023, Conway takes aim at Engoron’s demeanor, particularly during witness testimonies, where clashes with Trump’s legal team and the former president himself have become glaringly apparent.
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Critiquing Engoron’s use of forceful language in rebuffing Trump’s legal arguments, Conway underscores that while constructive criticism is acceptable, the judge risks facing dissent from an appellate court regarding his assessment.
Conway posits that Trump’s legal team could potentially argue the judge’s rhetoric as evidence of judicial bias, potentially becoming a focal point in any future appeal.
Drawing attention to instances where Engoron appears to react strongly to persistent complaints from Trump’s lawyers, Conway urges the judge to take proactive measures to prevent a potential overturn of his decision by a New York appellate court.
Conway advises Engoron not to be swayed by Trump’s provocative remarks, underscoring the importance of maintaining an impartial stance for a fair trial.
Outside the courtroom, Trump vociferously airs his grievances against Engoron, deflecting questions about recent controversial remarks and a GOP presidential debate.
Trump vehemently declares the trial a “witch hunt,” lambasting the attorney general and alleging bias from the judge. Despite inquiries about governors’ comments and ongoing violence, Trump consistently redirects the focus to his legal battle.
Engoron has already ruled Trump guilty of defrauding banks by inflating property values for favorable loans. The ongoing trial seeks to determine damages, if any, with bank officials attesting to no financial harm during their dealings with Trump.
Conway’s insightful analysis sheds light on the potential ramifications of Judge Engoron’s conduct in the Trump fraud trial. As the legal battle unfolds, the dynamics between the judge and the former president may prove pivotal in shaping the outcome of this closely watched case.
Trump’s unyielding claims of a “witch hunt” escalate outside the courtroom, where he asserts that the judge ruled against him without adequate knowledge.
Despite previous wins at the appellate division, Trump insists that the judge refuses to honor those decisions. The ongoing tension raises questions about the trial’s fairness and the potential impact on the final verdict, scrutinizing every move by Judge Engoron as the legal battle progresses.
