Tracking the Trump trials

Trump is juggling campaign events and courtroom appearances for the many cases he’s fighting.

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Trump Wants Prosecutors Held in Contempt in Federal Election Case

Lawyers for former President Donald J. Trump said on Thursday that they want the special counsel, Jack Smith, and two of his top deputies to be held in contempt of court and sanctioned for violating a judge’s order that effectively froze the criminal case accusing Mr. Trump of plotting to overturn the 2020 election.

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Trump Insists Jan. 6 Irrelevant To Election-Interference Case

Donald Trump’s lawyers argued Wednesday that “inflammatory allegations” of his involvement in the Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol building lack a “shred of evidence” and are irrelevant to his Washington, D. C. , criminal election-interference case. . . .

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Assessing the Trump Defense: A Preliminary Examination

The article discusses the defense arguments previewed by Donald Trump’s new defense counsel, John Lauro, in the Jan. 6 case. Lauro presents four key components of Trump’s defense: first, that Trump genuinely believed he won the election, implying no corrupt intent; second, Trump’s actions were protected under the First Amendment, emphasizing political speech and petitioning; third, Trump was acting on advice of counsel, including constitutional discussions; and fourth, a potential argument of presidential immunity. The article examines the plausibility of these defenses, especially focusing on the First Amendment argument and whether Trump’s intent was corrupt. It also considers the impact of Trump’s reliance on counsel, and how these defenses might fare before a jury. Overall, the article highlights that while these defenses may not be individually strong, they could gain strength in combination and emphasize the importance of Trump’s intent as a crucial factor in the trial.

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Trump Files Motion for Judge Tanya Chutkan to Recuse Herself in Federal Case

Former President Donald Trump has filed a motion requesting that District Judge Tanya Chutkan recuse herself from a federal election subversion case brought against him by special counsel Jack Smith. Trump’s motion cites Chutkan’s past public comments in cases related to the January 6, 2021, protests, where she suggested that Trump should be prosecuted and imprisoned. Trump’s legal team argues that these statements create a perception of prejudgment that is incompatible with a fair justice system. If Chutkan denies the recusal request, Trump’s attorneys may petition an appeals court for her removal. Chutkan has previously handed down harsh prison sentences in January 6-related cases and ruled against Trump in a separate case related to the release of documents to the U.S. House’s January 6 committee.

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How Trump Plans to Fight His Federal Election-Interference Case

Donald Trump’s legal team is employing a strategy of filing longshot legal motions to publicly criticize and potentially delay his federal election-interference trial, set to begin in March 2024. They plan to challenge the case on several fronts, including arguments about executive immunity, selective prosecution, and moving the trial’s location. While these motions may not derail the trial, they could complicate proceedings and serve to frame the case for the public, especially during Trump’s 2024 election campaign. Despite legal hurdles, Trump’s defense intends to file a series of motions and appeals, leading to a complex legal battle in the coming months.

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Trump Jan. 6 attorney John Lauro is ex-prosecutor not ‘swayed by public reaction’ – ABC News

John Lauro, a defense attorney representing Donald Trump in his federal election-interference case, has a history of taking on polarizing and high-profile legal matters. He has described his job as a “subtle dance” and expressed a preference for handling unpopular cases. Lauro, a former federal prosecutor, has represented a wide range of white-collar defendants and is known for his tenacity and talent in the courtroom. In Trump’s case, Lauro has asserted that the government must prove criminal intent beyond a reasonable doubt, and he has criticized the charges related to election subversion. Despite facing mounting criminal charges, Trump has struggled to secure legal representation.

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Who is Trump attorney John Lauro: Ask Tim Donaghy, disgraced NBA ref. – The Washington Post

John Lauro, the defense attorney representing Donald Trump in his election conspiracy case, previously handled both high-profile and low-key cases, with a preference for keeping them out of the public eye. Notably, he represented Tim Donaghy, a disgraced NBA referee involved in a gambling scandal. Lauro’s combative approach during Donaghy’s case marked a departure from his usual strategy of quiet resolution. Donaghy praised Lauro’s commitment to fighting for his clients. Now representing Trump, Lauro faces charges related to the 2020 election. He argues for more time to review extensive evidence. Lauro has a history of vigorously defending his clients, as exemplified by Donaghy’s case.

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Law360: Meet the Attorney Defending Trump in the Jan. 6 Case

The Florida defense attorney representing former President Donald Trump against federal charges stemming from his attempts to undo the results of the 2020 presidential election is respected, methodical and understated, according to lawyers who know him.

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Who Is on Trump’s Defense Team – The New York Times

Former President Donald Trump has enlisted John F. Lauro, a seasoned white-collar criminal defense attorney, to join his legal team for the federal indictment related to his efforts to stay in power after the 2020 election. Todd Blanche continues to represent Trump in other cases, including the Manhattan state case concerning hush money payments and the federal indictment in Miami related to retaining national defense information. Lauro’s reputation includes successfully defending high-profile cases like that of Tim Donaghy, a former NBA referee involved in a betting scandal. Christopher M. Kise, part of Trump’s legal team, praised Lauro’s tenacity and keen attention to detail.

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DOJ Investigating PGA For Treatment Of Players Who Join New League

The Department of Justice (DOJ) has initiated an investigation into the PGA Tour over allegations of anticompetitive practices following the exodus of top golfers to the Saudi-backed LIV Golf tour. Notable players, including Phil Mickelson, Bryson DeChambeau, and Dustin Johnson, left the PGA Tour for more lucrative opportunities, leading to disputes and fines from the PGA. The investigation centers on the PGA’s treatment of these players and its potential violation of labor market rules. Legal experts suggest that the PGA would need to prove a compelling business interest to restrict players, or else such restrictions could violate antitrust laws.

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