I suspect Merchan’s vague instructions to get the jurors to convict on the felony were so confusing that some of the jurors
resorted to news accounts and cable commentary last night for a clue as to what the hell he was talking about.
And people get that kind of info via their cell phone nowadays. I imagine that in a case where the jury has been told not to, that an appeal could involve subpoenaed phones to see if any jurists were naughty.
Even if you read his instructions, they were still extremely confusing to try to comprehend. I don’t even understand how you can begin to comprehend them as someone reads it to you and you try to scribble down notes.
Very likely scenario. If they did, they couldn’t help but notice the avalanche of negative reviews both the judge and the prosecution are receiving.