POLITICS
What is a mistrial and why did Donald Trump push for one in the Stormy Daniels trial?
Trump’s legal team has been angling for a mistrial declaration in a seemingly desperate attempt to have the trial closed down.
A mistrial is a legal term used to describe a situation where a trial is ended before a verdict is reached, usually due to some irregularity or unfairness that could impact the outcome of the case. In the context of the Trump trial, the defense team argued that Stormy Daniels’ testimony was too graphic and prejudicial, making it impossible for Trump to receive a fair trial.
“The court set guardrails for this testimony, and the guardrails, by the witness answering questions from the government, were just thrown to the side,” Trump’s lawyers argued.
During her testimony, Daniels detailed her alleged sexual encounter with Trump in 2006, including explicit descriptions of their physical interactions. The defense team claimed that this level of detail was not relevant to the charges against Trump and was intended to inflame the jury.
However, Judge Juan Merchan denied the request, stating that while some of Daniels’ testimony may have been difficult to hear, it was still relevant to the case. The judge emphasised that the jury was instructed to focus on the facts and not to be swayed by emotional appeals.
“I don’t believe we’re at the point where a mistrial is warranted,” said Merchan. “I will note that where there were objections, those objections for the most part were sustained. I will also note that I was surprised there were not more objections.”
What a mistrial could mean in future
In the context of US politics, a mistrial being accepted would be hugely significant. Trump’s legal team has consistently argued that the charges against him are politically motivated and that the trial is an attempt to discredit him. Should the trial collapse, Trump’s claims of a state apparatus turned against him (despite being part of that state just three years ago) would certainly galvanise his supporters.
The election is currently too close to call. Whatever the result of the trial, it will undoubtedly have an effect on voters come November.