They're still doing jury selection. But SDNY prosecutors have rolled in a shopping cart full of binders. #Countdown patreon.com/posts/33369082
In courtroom for US v. Avenatti, a prospective juror says he has connections with the legal field. He's summoned up for sidebar. Jury selected and openings today? UNclear
Now SDNY Judge Gardephe asks prospective jurors still in Courtroom 110 if any for them did any research, online or otherwise, yesterday or last night or today so far. He's asked if anyone would have a problem not doing podcasts during trial podcasts.google.com/?feed=aHR0cHM6…
In run up to US v Avenatti opening statement, Judge Gardephe asks prospective jurors if they've even met or communicated a list of people he reads out, including from #Adidas cases, Jim Gatto and Merl Code innercitypress.com/sdny28ncaa2daw…
Well, that's it for the day in US v. Avenatti - it's 4:30 and Judge Gardephe is letting still prospective jurors go for the day. No opening arguments today... patreon.com/posts/33369082
At day's end in US v. #Avenatti, Judge Gardephe calls this good progress. Says tomorrow he'll continue with general questions, then specific Qs, to qualify 40. Defense 10 peremptory challenges, government 6 (2 each as to alternates).
AUSA Robert Sobelman is again arguing to Judge Gardephe what should and should not be allowed in Avenatti's lawyers' opening statement. They say they want to show was what on Avenatti when arrested, including a powerpoint from Auerbach
AUSA Sobelman acknowledged that the audio he doesn't want in Avenatti's opening is an exhibit the government is going to put in evidence, but says playing 2 minutes of a 1 hour audio is misleading.
Judge Gardephe says the purpose of the opening is to tell the jury what the lawyer thinks the evidence will show, not to play audio not yet in evidence. "I'm the final arbiter if it comes in or not." Seems this one will go the US' way.
Judge Gardephe says "it won't be evidence until I say it is," echoing a quote from last night's impeachment trial in the Senate, that an umpire said it's not a ball or a strike "until I call it so." Turns to bio of Bryan Freedman that calls him a "pitbull" lawyer
Judge Gardephe asks again about length of openings. Government a little more than 20 minutes, Avenatti's a little more then 30 minutes. Srebnick wants Avenatti to stay in court after trial days to confer
Judge Gardephe says he'll consider ending trial days earlier so that Avenatti can meet his lawyers in the courtroom before being taken back to the MCC - but only if trial still over in 2 & 1/2 weeks. No "post lunch let-down," Judge Gardephe says
