I’ve been trying cases in Federal and state courts for just over forty years, and I am struck by the low level of trial advocacy shown by both sides in this case. The defense is clearly doing better than the prosecution, but they should have destroyed the prosecution’s case by now. Maybe it’s a difference in culture between the Midwest and the East Coast, but when I hear arguments devoid of any authority like “Well, your honor, we usually don’t admit impeachment documents” I have to scratch my head and wonder.
Legal Insurrection made a similar comment a couple of days ago. The ADA screwed up badly and I believe they opened the door for the Defense to exact testimony as to why one of the assailants was on medication and why he was incarcerated before the riots. The Defense did not pounce on that and really should have according to Legal Insurrection.
I'd be curious to hear your opinion of the purported prosecutor's "face palm" (see pic in post #2, I believe) that is put forth by some of the "FR legal analysts" here. It's my contention that even a 1-L would never do such a thing, even in a mock trial - and that he's simply holding his head while writing. However, have you ever witnessed such a reaction (as alleged by many here)?