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Jonah BromwichReporting from inside the courthouse
The judge says he will reserve his decision on whether to dismiss the case for tomorrow. …
May 20, 2024, 4:52 p.m. ET
Jonah Bromwich (https://www.nytimes.com/by/jonah-e-bromwich) Reporting from inside the courthouse
As Blanche argues that his own arguments irrefutably prove that Cohen lied, Merchan interrupts him. “You’re asking me to not find Mr. Cohen credible as a matter of law?” Merchan asks. Then he adds in another question, about whether Blanche wants him to rip the case away from the jury and decide it himself. Blanche agrees that this is what the defense wants.
May 20, 2024, 4:52 p.m. ET
Jonah Bromwich (https://www.nytimes.com/by/jonah-e-bromwich)Reporting from inside the courthouse
Merchan cuts Blanche off. “You said that his lies were irrefutable but you think he’s going to fool 12 New Yorkers into believing this lie?” he asks. As Blanche begins to respond, Merchan signals he is done with the defense for now and adds, “I’d like to hear from the people.”
May 20, 2024, 4:51 p.m. ET
Jonah Bromwich (https://www.nytimes.com/by/jonah-e-bromwich) Reporting from inside the courthouse
Todd Blanche is throwing a lot at the wall during this motion to dismiss the case. It sounds a bit like his opening, as he seeks to convince the judge — as he sought to convince the jury — that there is no crime here. Justice Merchan is listening, leaning back.
May 20, 2024, 4:41 p.m. ET
Jonah Bromwich Reporting from inside the courthouse
The defense lawyers signal that they will likely rest their case tomorrow morning. The judge says the jury will be excused after that. But we are not done for the day yet: The defense lawyers will now move, as is typical, to dismiss the prosecution’s case. It is a long shot, but they would be remiss not to try.
