Why couldn't he, though? He would be entitled to....
by Marine Domer (2024-01-10 10:25:54)
Edited on 2024-01-10 10:26:13

In reply to: No idea but don’t see how a represented party can do  posted by Barrister

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represent himself (talk about having a fool for a client), and would be permitted to give his own closing. And I've certainly seen cases where counsel for plaintiff have had one attorney do the primary close and the other do the rebuttal.

But I think the judge would have to let him fire his
by Barrister  (2024-01-10 10:30:58)     cannot delete  |  Edit  |  Return to Board  |  Ignore Poster   |   Highlight Poster  |   Cannot reply

lawyers first, and I don't see that happening. There's a difference between splitting closing argument between two lawyers and having a represented defendant be allowed to argue to the jury while not under oath (and having not testified under oath during the trial).

Perhaps, but the court could also just instruct the jury....
by Marine Domer  (2024-01-10 10:50:22)     cannot delete  |  Edit  |  Return to Board  |  Ignore Poster   |   Highlight Poster  |   Cannot reply

much to the frustration of Trump, that what he says in closing argument is not evidence, and admonish him not to address any issues and evidence not presented during the trial (as he/she would with counsel who argued something not in evidence). But the Court can and should refuse it in this situation just because the court has the right to control the proceedings and prevent a circus. I just don't think there is anything that would legally bar the court from allowing it.

Looks like the judge is letting him do it. I forgot this was
by Barrister  (2024-01-10 11:32:37)     cannot delete  |  Edit  |  Return to Board  |  Ignore Poster   |   Highlight Poster  |   Cannot reply

a bench trial, which means there's no danger of confusing or misleading the jury.

This removes a (bullshit) appeal point, and I cannot imagine anything Trump says will actually help his cause.
I doubt this is intended to sway the judge.
by IAND75  (2024-01-10 11:35:06)     cannot delete  |  Edit  |  Return to Board  |  Ignore Poster   |   Highlight Poster  |   Cannot reply

It is for his base.