Jonah BromwichReporting from inside the courthouse
Susan Hoffinger, the prosecutor, is objecting to many of Emil Bove's questions, often successfully. Robert Costello had been ignoring the judge’s rulings, so Justice Merchan warned him directly to wait for a ruling before answering.
It happens again, and when Merchan sustains an objection, Costello says “jeez,” apparently meaning to question the judge's authority. “I’m sorry?” the judge asks, glaring down at the suddenly reddened witness. Costello mumbles something in return and testimony resumes.
Whatever Haberman meant by the jury’s choices, here is a third: they can disregard everything this intemperate, disrespectful witness says. This witness has been a disaster for the defense so far.
