Tuesday, the judge in the criminal case against Donald Trump will hold a hybrid court hearing to ensure the former president is aware of new rules prohibiting him from using evidence to assault witnesses.
Trump will not be required to appear in court for the afternoon hearing at a Manhattan courthouse. Thereby averting the enormous security and logistical challenges that accompanied his arraignment a month ago.
Instead, the Republican will appear via video conference, with his visage displayed on courtroom television monitors. Meanwhile, his attorneys and the prosecutor must appear in person.
After listing the restrictions on May 8 in what is known as a protective order. Judge Juan Manuel Merchan agreed to take the additional step of instructing Trump personally.
Trump is permitted to speak publicly about the case. But he risks being held in contempt if he uses evidence disclosed by prosecutors. During pre-trial discovery target witnesses or other parties involved in the case.
Trump pleaded not guilty on April 4 to 34 felony counts of falsifying business records. Relating to payments made by his company to Michael Cohen, his former attorney.
Trump denies the allegations
According to prosecutors, these payments were intended to reimburse and compensate Cohen for orchestrating hush money payments. To conceal allegations of extramarital sexual encounters during the 2016 presidential campaign. Trump denies having extramarital affairs and claims the prosecution is motivated by politics.
Merchan’s protective order prohibits Trump and his attorneys from sharing evidence with third parties or posting it on social media. And it requires that certain sensitive information revealed by prosecutors be kept only by Trump’s attorneys and not by Trump himself.
Prosecutors requested the order shortly after Trump’s arrest. Citing his history of making “harassing, embarrassing, and threatening statements” about individuals with whom he has been involved in legal disputes.
Merchan has made it clear that the protective order is not a restraining order and that Trump has the right to publicly defend himself, citing Trump’s “special” status as a former president and current presidential candidate.
Trump’s attorneys are attempting to transfer his criminal case to federal court. The case will proceed in state court while this occurs.
