Reza Zarrab gets special treatment: judge OFFERS to sign order allowing him

[pnwmom]

to wear a suit and tie for the proceedings, instead of his prison garb.

They must be very pleased with his degree of cooperation (in a money laundering case that might connect to Michael Flynn.)

I wonder if the details of prisoner-swap negotiations between private parties and foreign governments are covered by attorney privilege, or if Giuliani and Mukasey might also be cooperating?

http://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/turkish-iranian-gold-trader-set-testify-us-trial-51451391

Zarrab's decision to plead guilty and cooperate with U.S. investigators — revealed Tuesday on the trial's first day — was a surprise twist in the trial. The prosecution seemed in jeopardy just months earlier after Zarrab tried to free himself by hiring prominent and politically connected American attorneys to try to arrange a prisoner transfer between Turkey and the United States. The effort by former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani and former U.S. Attorney General Michael Mukasey failed.

The government's star witness appeared before jurors on Wednesday in federal court in Manhattan wearing tan prisoner scrubs even though he testified he was released from jail two weeks ago and into FBI custody. At the end of the day with the jury gone, the judge questioned why he was wearing the outfit, telling prosecutors he would sign an order allowing him to wear civilian clothes if he wanted.

[bench scientist]

1. This is a standard practice, not that big of a deal. Covered under Federal Rule of Evidence 401/403.

Having anyone testify in prison garb can fall under unduly prejudicial per FER 403. Judges sign these all the time. Wouldn't make that big a deal of it.

[pnwmom]

2. Is it usual for judges to offer this?

Also, does it make any difference that Zarrab has already pleaded guilty to 7 charges and acknowledged the plea and his guilt in court?

This isn't a possibly innocent person being held pre-trial.

[bench scientist]

3. Common offer, want to avoid any potential for appeal. It's not a big deal really.

[pnwmom]

4. Does it make any difference that he's already pleaded guilty to 7 charges?

He acknowledged his guilt in court.

[bench scientist]

5. Yes. perfect sense.

State / government witnesses are frequently guilty of crimes or the recipients of plea deals. They can still be offered court attire to testify by judges.The circumstances of his plea deal or past crimes are known to the defense and will come out at trial. Defense counsel still has an opportunity to cross-examine the witness and attack their credibility. The trier of fact (judge or jury ) will be instructed as to how past crimes or plea deals goes to the credibility and weight of the witness's evidence.
Having a witness testify in court in prison garb can be deemed prejudicial. Frankly, it's theatrical and distracting.
This isn't television. Real life court trials are often boring. (although sometimes not).