NEW YORK — The judge overseeing former President Donald Trump’s criminal trial on Tuesday berated defense lawyer Todd Blanche for remarking in his closing argument that the jury should think twice before “sending a man to prison.”
State Supreme Court Judge Juan Merchan said the comment flouted court rules and would tell the jury to disregard it.
“You know that making a comment like that is highly inappropriate. It’s simply not allowed,” Judge Merchan told Mr. Blanche outside the presence of the jury.
Prosecutor Joshua Steinglass asked a jury instruction to follow the lunch break before his summation at the lectern.
Judge Merchan agreed and, clearly frustrated, pointed to Mr. Blanche’s long tenure as a prosecutor before his time as a defense attorney.
The judge said it was “hard for me to imagine” the comment was an accident.
Mr. Trump might not go to prison even if convicted, so the comment was seen as prejudicial.
Jury members could reconsider their verdict if they thought it would send someone to the slammer.
“That comment was improper and you must disregard it,” Judge Merchan told the jurors after lunch.
• Tom Howell Jr. can be reached at thowell@washingtontimes.com.
Please read our comment policy before commenting.