I thought today was going to be boring because it was mostly going to be about Jury selection, but there was tons of news today, because they went over several motions today.
The biggest news is the prosecution will ask the judge to hold Trump in contempt for his attacks on witnesses."
Regarding Trump's Truth Social posts about Cohen, I think this is about violation of the gag order.
From Reuters
New York prosecutors said at the start of Donald Trump's criminal trial on Monday they would ask a judge to hold the former president in contempt after they described a "pressure campaign" against his former fixer and a likely witness Michael Cohen.
Other news This is all from Twitter
Trump asked the judge to recuse himself. Denied.
There was a bunch of stuff about what evidence can be let it and if the evidence would be salacious or prejudicial to Trump.
Aug 2015 meeting with Michael Cohen and David Pecker coordinating coverage on Trump. Trump's lawyers say talking about stories is not illegal and may be prejuidicial.
skeptical that these prepublication meetings were conducted in such a way with the falsification of business records down the road in mind. But he's satisfied probative value exceeds prejudice, if any, and allows it in.
Karen McDougal, the playboy playmate is allowed to testify
No mention of Melania being pregnant/or recently gave birth when this happened
Access Hollywood tape can be talked about but will not be played
E. Jean Caroll deposition cannot be entered, but an email thread about it can
Merchan DENIES prosecution's request to bring evidence of three other allegations of misconduct. Says it's "just a rumor, just gossip, complete hearsay"—doesn't want to "prejudice the defendant on the basis of a rumor."
Discussion of which Cohen crimes they can talk about. Judge says
I don't want the jury to think that because Michael Cohen pled guilty to FICA violations or anything else, that therefore Trump is guilty.
https://www.forbes.com/sites/alisondurkee/2024/04/15/prosecutors-want-trump-fined-3000-for-violating-judge-merchans-gag-order/?sh=38ab97749dc7