Let’s say the defense immediately moves for dismissal based on hearsay evidence and no actual criminal charges.
With the Senate acting as jury, and John Roberts serving as judge, wouldn’t it be Roberts who rules on whether the charges should be dismissed? Couldn’t he just say the Senate-speak equivalent of “Case dismissed, court adjourned?”
No. Roberts is more of a facilitator in this. He only makes a ruling when 51 or more Senators tell him to.