The first step in a criminal trial is jury selection, where potential jurors are questioned by the prosecution and defense to ensure they are impartial and can fairly weigh the evidence presented in the case. Once a jury is selected, the trial moves on to opening statements, where both sides lay out their case and what evidence they plan to present.
Next comes the presentation of evidence, where witnesses are called to testify and physical evidence is presented to support the prosecution’s case. The defense also has the opportunity to present their own evidence and challenge the prosecution’s case. During this phase, the jury must carefully consider the evidence presented and decide whether the defendant is guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
After the evidence is presented, both sides give closing arguments, summarizing the case and emphasizing key points that support their respective positions. The judge then instructs the jury on the law and what they must consider when deliberating on the case. The jury then retires to the deliberation room to discuss the evidence and reach a verdict.
Once a verdict is reached, the jury informs the court and the judge reads the verdict aloud in court. If the defendant is found guilty, they may be sentenced immediately or at a later date, depending on the circumstances of the case. If the defendant is found not guilty, they are acquitted of the charges and released from custody.
It is worth noting that in this particular trial involving Donald Trump, the former president is facing charges related to a hush money payment made to adult film star Stormy Daniels in 2016. This case is just one of four ongoing criminal cases that Trump is expected to face in the coming years. The outcome of this trial could have significant implications for Trump’s political future, as he is considered the presumptive 2024 GOP presidential nominee.
As Trump’s trial progresses, news outlets like CNN are closely following the proceedings to provide updates and analysis on the case. With jury selection scheduled to begin on Monday, April 15, and the trial expected to take six to eight weeks to complete, there will be plenty of opportunities for the public to learn more about the details of the case and how it may impact Trump’s future political ambitions.
