Judge Scolds Maxine Waters for ‘Abhorrent’ Comments, Says She ‘May Have Given’ Chauvin an Argument for Appeal
By Sarah RumpfApr 19th, 2021, 5:59 pm
After the prosecutors and defense attorneys presented their closing arguments in the
Derek Chauvin trial, the defense moved for a mistrial because of media coverage of the case and comments by Rep.
Maxine Waters (D-CA). Judge
Peter Cahill acknowledged that Waters might have given the defense an argument to use for an appeal, and scolded her for making “disrespectful” and “abhorrent” comments on the case, but did not feel that the issue rose to the level that would require a mistrial.
Defense attorney
Eric Nelson argued that the high level of media attention was “so profound” and “so pervasive” that it was impossible for the jury to not have been tainted by it. The jury who will decide if Chauvin is criminally responsible for the death of
George Floyd was not sequestered during the trial itself, and will only be sequestered now during their deliberations.
Nelson referenced Waters’ recent comments as she joined a protest in Minneapolis that if Chauvin was not convicted that they would have to “get more confrontational,” calling it “mind-boggling” that “we have U.S. Representatives threatening acts of violence in relation to this specific case.”
Nelson had not mentioned Waters by name, but Cahill was clear on the reference he was making. “Well, I’ll give you that Congresswoman Waters may have given you something on appeal that may result in this whole trial being overturned,” the judge said, “but what’s the state’s position?”
Nelson replied that he was making his objection to preserve the issue for appeal, and that he was willing to supplement the record with specific media reports.
Cahill agreed that Nelson would be allowed to supplement the record, but added that he was “aware of the media reports,” and that “Congresswoman Waters was talking specifically about this trial, and about the unacceptability of anything less than a murder conviction, and talking about being “confrontational.”
“This goes back to what I’ve been saying from the beginning,” Cahill continued, clearly perturbed. “I wish elected officials would stop talking about this case, especially in a manner that’s disrespectful to the rule of law, and to the judicial branch and our function. I think if they want to give their opinions, they should do so in a respectful — and in a manner that is consistent with their oath to the Constitution, to respect a co-equal branch of government. Their failure to do so I think is abhorrent, but I don’t think it’s prejudiced us with additional material that would prejudice this jury.”
The jury had been told not to watch the news, he explained and he trusted that they were following those instructions and did not feel one congresswoman’s opinion was enough to taint the entire process.
mediaite.com/news/watch-judge-scolds-maxine-waters-for-abhorrent-comments-says-she-may-have-given-chauvin-an-argument-for-appeal/
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The jury had been told not to watch the news"
That might be bit late though, almost everyone has probably watched the news on this by now and many have likely formed strong opinions.
This was just one recent sample of views from within MAGA camp (which can be described as 'moderate progressive Left' ):
'Justice for George Floyd': Donald Trump's Youngest Daughter Supports Black Lives Matter Protests
Tiffany Trump shareda post seeking justice for George Floyd on Instagram amid the 'Black Lives Matter' protest | Image credit: Reuters
June 4, 2020
In a bold move, Donald Trump's youngest daughter Tiffany Trump recently expressed her solidarity with the George Floyd and 'Black Lives Matter' protests with a 'Blackout Tuesday' post on Instagram.
On Wednesday, Tiffany took to the photo-sharing platform and shared an image of a black screen along with a Helen Keller quote.
From:
As President's daughter supports BLM protests, Piers Morgan calls on Trump to take the knee
The riots that will happen regardless of the outcome of the trial, is going to be biblical.
Some states have started pre-emptive steps apparently.
DeSantis signs Florida's anti-riot bill, cites Chauvin trial
Mon, April 19, 2021
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) — Florida's top Republicans cited events in cities around the country — but not the Jan. 6 riots in Washington — as Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a bill Monday to create tougher penalties for people who participate in violent protests.
news.yahoo.com/desantis-signs-floridas-anti-riot-172445714.html
I could be wrong but starting to think that in this case media coverage might be bit over-highlighting the riots prospects and actual reaction of any verdict might be surprisingly calmer than expected (due to current political climate in America among other factors that I will try to delve into later).