Mastering the Room

Law Professor Stephen Saltzburg on Trump Convictions

Episode Summary

In this conversation, Casey and Stephen Saltzburg discuss Donald Trump's recent conviction on 34 felony counts in the state of New York. They cover the charges, the jury selection process, the speed of the jury's deliberations, and the potential sentencing and appeals process. They also explore the implications of Trump's potential jail time on his acceptance of the Republican nomination and his future political aspirations. The conversation concludes with a discussion on the state of democracy and the importance of civil discourse.

Episode Notes

• Donald Trump has been convicted on 34 felony counts in the state of New York, related to falsifying records to conceal campaign violations.
• The jury selection process was carefully conducted to ensure a fair trial, with questions about jurors' news sources and potential biases.
• The jury's quick deliberations and unanimous guilty verdicts were not surprising, given the evidence and instructions from the judge.
• The sentencing process will involve a probation officer's report, and Trump is likely to receive jail time, along with fines and community service.
• The appeals process will follow the sentencing, with the highest court in New York being the likely final arbiter of the case.
• There is a possibility that Trump could be sentenced to jail and still accept the Republican nomination, but it is unlikely that he would serve jail time while in office if re-elected.
• The events of January 6th and the ongoing threats to democracy are cause for concern, and the importance of civil discourse and engagement cannot be overstated.

Chapters

00:00 Donald Trump Convicted on 34 Felony Counts

03:15 The Jury Selection Process

05:10 Quick Deliberations and Guilty Verdicts

09:50 The Sentencing Process

20:44 The Implications of Sentencing on the Republican Nomination

25:18 The State of Democracy