Thread by @KatiePhang

BREAKING: Judge Juan Merchan enters an Order on the Manhattan DA's Motion for Clarification wherein he orders the following amendments to that original 3/26/24 gag order:

Trump's "pattern of attacking family members of presiding jurists and attorneys assigned to his cases serves no legitimate purpose."

"It merely injects fear in those assigned or called to participate in the proceedings, that not only they, but their family members as well, are 'fair game' for Defendant's vitriol."

"It is no longer just a mere possibility or a reasonable likelihood that there exists a threat to the integrity of the judicial proceedings. The threat is very real."

"The average observer, must now, after hearing Defendant's recent attacks, draw the conclusion that if they become involved in these proceedings, even tangentially, they should worry not only for themselves, but for their loved ones as well."

Here, Judge Merchan makes short shrift of Trump's arguments in his opposition filing:

Judge Merchan also puts Trump on notice that he will forfeit his right to access to jurors' names "if he engages in any conduct that threatens the safety and integrity of the jury or the jury selection process."

Judge Merchan rules that Trump is "hereby warned that any violation of this Order will result in sanctions under Judiciary Law, Sections 750(A)(3) and 751."

750(A)(3): criminal contempt can be willful disobedience of a court order.
751: punishment for contempt: a fine "not exceeding $1000, or by imprisonment, not exceeding 30 days, in the jail of the county where the court is sitting, or both, in the discretion of the court."