A large group of New Yorkers will gather at the Manhattan criminal courthouse on Monday morning to potentially serve as jurors in the historic trial of a former president of the United States.
Over the next few weeks, Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, who announced a 34-count indictment against Donald Trump a year ago, will present his case to twelve jurors and six alternates. The charges allege that the former president falsified documents to conceal damaging information from voters before the 2016 election. Bragg is the first prosecutor to bring criminal charges against a current or former U.S. president.
Trump pleaded not guilty to the charges and has made multiple attempts to delay the trial. Despite labeling the prosecution as a “witch hunt” and “election interference,” he is required to be present in court for the entirety of the trial, which is expected to last six to eight weeks.
Jury selection will begin on Monday, with Judge Juan Merchan explaining the case to potential jurors to determine their ability to be fair and impartial.
Former President Donald Trump speaks at a campaign rally in Rome, Ga., March 9, 2024.
Mike Stewart/AP, FILE
Merchan will dismiss jurors who cannot be fair or impartial, and the remaining jurors will answer questions about themselves and their views on the case. Trump and his legal team will have access to the jurors’ identities, which will be kept private from the public.
The questioning will cover various topics, including the jurors’ backgrounds, their sources of news, and any potential biases related to Trump. The trial is expected to proceed with caution to ensure a fair selection process.
Trump’s defense team has raised concerns about the trial taking place in Manhattan, citing negative opinions about the former president. However, their request to delay the trial was denied, and the selection process will move forward as planned.
Witness lists have not been released, but it is anticipated that key figures like Michael Cohen, Stormy Daniels, and Karen McDougal may testify. Trump has hinted at testifying in his own defense, maintaining his innocence in the case.
