Posted on 08/14/2018 9:08:06 AM PDT by Coronal
Somewhat. Burden is on prosectution to prove their case beyond a reasonable doubt, and defense is going to hammer both prongs of that - presumption and the standard of proof. Closing argument is allowed to poke holes in evidence offered by the prosecution, to say what is there that creates reasonable doubt.
The only thing witnesses do is provide fact evidence.
This is a fairly common tactic. They want the jury to hold the prosecution to their burden of “beyond a reasonable doubt” rather than just comparing the defense vs. prosecution case and voting on who had the better case.
Wouldn’t the defense at least try to sow some reasonable doubt?
I just heard Andrew McCarthy say the case is proven in the financial documents and there is not much you can do about that.
If the defense doesn’t put on a case, Manafort will not have to testify, and cannot be cross-examined.
Won't look good for Mueller if his big case is a flop due to his lack of evidence - like his whole investigation.
Could be, not good for Mannafort. This tactic reeks of a Hail Mary.
I think in practice it’s pretty common.
(though it may not seem so as it would make for pretty lousy episodes of Perry Mason and Matlock).
Vinny Gambini: [opening statements] Uh... everything that guy just said is bullshit... Thank you.
I was listening to Levin and he said the attorneys need to have a big flow chart that shows all the relationships and immunity deals or minor plea agreements of all of the States witnesses...Then ask the jury why all of these people got deals but Manafort didn’t...
No defense? Okay, a comment with that decision? Do they think it is a slam dunk or are they planning for appeal?
bmp
is that good or bad?
Good point, most think it's good math to go to college for 6 years and rack up $100,000+ in debt and then sleep in the cellar.
The defense usually puts up a defense unless they strongly feel prosecution didn’t prove their case beyond a reasonable doubt. Certainly with crook Gates as the main witness against Manafort, one can understand the prosecution’s problem.
If Manifort is not guilty, what’s a Mulehead to do?
Waiting on a pardon is most likely..
That would be interesting.
They feel they poked enough holes in the prosecution’s case during cross-examination and their presentation that they don’t need to call any of their own witnesses. Fairly common, actually. The key here is if the jury believes Gates considering how many times he admitted lying. I could see why Manafort and his attorneys believe they have already done enough to impreach his credibility.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.