That seemed to prompt Judge Mercan, who spoke calmly and soberly, to reply that he did not intend to immediately place “gag orderTrump, in contrast to concerns recently expressed by the former president’s legal team. Prosecutors did not request a gag order.
COURT: Certainly, the court would not impose a gag order at this point even if it were required.
Such restrictions are the most severe and least unacceptable of First Amendment rights. That is doubly true for Mr. Trump, because he is a candidate for president of the United States. So obviously First Amendment rights are extremely important.
But Justice Mercan, a judge on the State Supreme Court since 2009, warned the defense to talk to Mr. Trump “and anyone else you need, and reminded them to please refrain from making such claims.” claims likely to incite violence or civil unrest.”
The prosecution detailed potential restrictions on Trump.
MULTIPLE Sclerosis. MCCAW: The defendant must not provide the materials he received through the discovery process to any third parties, including the press, and he must not post them on social media.
As Mr. Trump continued to sit in silence, Catherine McCaw, another prosecutor, told the judge that her team was working with Mr. Trump’s attorneys to draft a protective order, a document that would set out certain constraints on Mr. Trump.
One of those restrictions, she said, would prohibit the former president from posting some of the case material on social media or sharing it with reporters. If Mr. Trump violates any existing constraints, Justice Mercan will decide whether and how to sanction him.
Mr. Trump spoke again.
As the impeachment progressed, Mr. Trump grew increasingly restless. He knitted and stretched his fingers repeatedly. He crossed his arms and did not cross his arms. He tapped his knuckles on the hardwood table. Once, he puffed out his cheeks and sighed.
Finally, more than half an hour after giving his defense, he spoke again – after prompting by his lawyers – but only to respond to Justice Mercan when the judge informed the former president of his right to have his side in the proceedings – and the ways in which rights can be lost.
COURT: If you are disruptive to a degree that affects my ability to preside over this case and my ability to ensure that the case is handled the way it should be handled for both parties, then I have the right to evict you come out of the courtroom and continue in your absence, do you understand that?
Defendant MR. TRUMPET: I do.
The judge requested the presence of Mr. Trump.
COURT: I expect all the other defendants to appear in court, even the famous ones.
Given that Mr. Trump was charged with non-violence, prosecutors were even barred from requesting his incarceration. As Judge Mercan prepares to release the former president, Blanche hinted that Mr. Trump may not appear on his next court date, scheduled for December 4. When asked about his reasons Mr. Blanche cited the “incredible expense and effort and security concerns” of attending the trial.
