The historic criminal trial of a former US president commenced in a Manhattan state court on Monday, facing the challenge of selecting an impartial jury for what could be a lengthy proceeding. Amid the gravity of prosecuting the ex-Republican presidential nominee and the sensational nature of the case involving a 2016 payment to a former adult film star, the trial’s outset indicated weeks of methodical procedural maneuvers.
Donald Trump, on his way to court, denounced the entire trial as “an assault on America,” resorting to social media to critique potential witnesses. A separate hearing is now slated for April 23 to assess whether Trump breached a gag order barring attacks on trial participants.
In the absence of live or recorded audio or video, observers in the courtroom described the trial proceedings. Only a handful of reporters inside the courtroom relayed the play-by-play to the outside world. Kara Scannell and Jeremy Herb served as conduits, transmitting information from the courtroom to the broader audience.
The initial focus in Manhattan state court was on jury selection, a process expected to span up to two weeks. The trial itself, scheduled for weekdays except Wednesdays, could extend for a full two months. Among the initial group of 96 potential jurors present, over half were promptly excused for expressing doubts about their ability to remain fair and impartial.
An unusual aspect emerged as Trump expressed his desire to participate in sidebars, potentially bringing him into close proximity with jurors. Scannell noted that defendants seldom engage in sidebars with judges during jury selection.
However, Trump’s legal team signaled his intention to be involved, either by approaching the bench or utilizing a side room. Such a request is highly uncommon. Scannell remarked, ” In my experience covering approximately twenty-four trials, I cannot recall a single instance where the defendant chose to approach the bench while the judge and attorneys were questioning potential jurors.’’
She highlighted the rarity of Trump’s decision, emphasizing that he would be in close proximity to potential jurors as they responded to queries. In pursuit of 18 impartial individuals, the pool of potential jurors must eventually be narrowed to 12 jurors and six alternates. Approximately 500 jurors are anticipated to be summoned each day for jury selection. Scannell indicated that the court plans to assess around 100 potential jurors at a time within the courtroom.
During this vetting process, jurors will face general inquiries, such as whether they possess any unalterable commitments, require religious exemptions, or harbor doubts about their ability to remain impartial.