Paul Manafort trial: Judge abruptly recesses trial, reminds jury not to discuss the case

[Miles Archer]

Paul Manafort trial: Judge abruptly recesses trial, reminds jury not to discuss the case

https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2018/08/10/paul-manafort-trial-judge-jury-friday-update/956821002/

ALEXANDRIA, Va. — The bank and tax fraud trial of former Trump campaign chairman Paul Manafort was abruptly recessed Friday morning, casting doubt that the government could rest its case by day’s end.

U.S. District Judge T.S. Ellis III, who huddled privately with prosecutors and defense lawyers at the bench for most of the morning, excused the jury until 1:45 p.m., and did not reveal the reason for the delay.

Before adjourning, Ellis offered an unusually emphatic instruction to the jurors that they should not discuss the case with others or among themselves until all the evidence was in.

Ellis also reminded the panel that Manafort, who was seated at the defense table, is presumed innocent of the 18 criminal counts lodged against him.

[montanacowboy]

1. Is there a Plea?

I can't imagine that because of his arrogant attitude.

[Ponietz]

2. "Meanwhile, Manafort has been all smiles."

A fair and impartial jury depends on a fair and impartial judge. I have questions.

[link:https://www.cnn.com/politics/live-news/manafort-trial/index.html|

[Miles Archer]

3. "Ellis also reminded the panel that Manafort is presumed innocent"

Oh boy.

[malaise]

4. Perfectly normal n/t

[Ponietz]

5. That was a true statement of law and appropriate instruction to make at each recess

But the other comments lead me to believe he is a horse’s ass and has mucked it up.
Our government may have moved for a mistrial and for the judge to recuse himself.
I’m just speculating, though.

[Jersey Devil]

6. Either a plea deal brewing or an important evidential ruling is my guess

They wouldn't be discussing motions to dismiss any portions of the case until the prosecution rests so it can't be that. My guess is that they are running plea scenarios before the judge to see if he can go along with any of the proposals.

[NightWatcher]

7. I've been guessing that Manafort will be ordered to plead in lieu of a finding of guilt.

The Stone wing of this conspiracy has also clammed up todayand I wonder if the two are connected.

Something's coming down the track. I feel it.

[Jersey Devil]

8. Yes, it is ripe for an important development

Manafort's lawyers took their shot, hoping the prosecution or its witnesses would screw up - they didn't. Time to get real.

[lindysalsagal]

9. Not a lawyer, but, would they do that before the defence? Or, does it mean they have no defence?

[NightWatcher]

10. I've seen pleas made right up until the deliberation.

They've got no defense and Gates might have come through as a good witness.

[Blue_true]

11. From what I understand, yes.

The defense could feel that it has no real defense and conviction is the most likely outcome.

[lindysalsagal]

14. Wow. I hope the asshat pleads.

[dalton99a]

12. +1

[MineralMan]

13. Interesting on a Friday afternoon.

So, I wonder if we'll find out what's going on later today, or will this just float over the weekend.

[lindysalsagal]

15. msnbc on it but with nothing but guesses.

[MineralMan]

16. Yes. That's all anyone can do, really.

That's the one think I hate about the 24-hour news cycle. They think they have to keep talking about something, even if they have nothing to say. So, they end up speculating all over the place and confusing the situation even more. I don't watch during the day.