In the ongoing hush-money trial involving former President Donald Trump, the judge overseeing the case in Manhattan has rejected calls for discovery sanctions against the office of Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg.
This decision comes after defense attorneys alleged “widespread misconduct” ahead of the trial, a claim that the judge found unsubstantiated.
Acting New York Supreme Court Justice Juan Merchan dismissed defense complaints regarding the Manhattan DA’s delayed production of documents related to the investigation of former Trump fixer Michael Cohen, a key witness in the trial.
Despite claims of “significant and ongoing discovery violations” by Trump’s legal team, Merchan determined that there was insufficient evidence to support such allegations.
The dispute over discovery arose in March when Trump’s lawyers argued for the dismissal of the case or, alternatively, for the exclusion of key witnesses, including Cohen and Stormy Daniels.
The Manhattan DA’s office responded by attributing any delays in discovery to the defense’s own actions, refuting claims of misconduct.
While the defense sought a significant delay in the trial, Bragg’s office agreed to a more modest extension, which was ultimately granted by Merchan.
The judge rejected the defense’s request for sanctions, describing it as “meritless” and emphasizing that the majority of the documents in question were either irrelevant or duplicative.
In his written ruling, Merchan commended the Manhattan DA’s office for its diligent efforts to comply with discovery obligations and acknowledged that Trump’s defense had been given adequate time to review the materials provided.
Ultimately, he concluded that the defense would not suffer any prejudice as a result of the document production process.
The decision marks a significant development in the high-profile trial, which has attracted considerable attention since its inception.
As the proceedings continue, both sides are likely to remain vigilant in their efforts to secure a favorable outcome.
Read the judge’s three-page written order on the discovery dispute between the prosecution and defense here.
