The New York state fraud case against former president Donald Trump initially garnered significant attention upon its filing. However, as it deals with financial crimes rather than the more sensational aspects of some other cases he’s faced, it has somewhat faded from the popular imagination. Nevertheless, this legal battle poses a considerable risk to Trump and his business, and the lawyers involved are working diligently to advocate for their client, perhaps even too zealously.
Advocating a Losing Argument:
Advocating for a losing argument is one thing, but continuing to do so after the judge and appellate court have ruled against it is quite another. As reported by Law360, New York State Supreme Court Justice Arthur F. Engoron recently heard arguments on the attorney general’s motion for sanctions due to the repeated advancement of dismissed arguments by Trump’s attorney, Chris Kise. It is safe to say that Judge Engoron did not appreciate hearing the same unsuccessful arguments over and over again.
The Judge’s Reaction:
During the proceedings, Judge Engoron expressed his disbelief at Trump’s argument that the attorney general lacked standing or capacity to sue. He stated, “Standing? This statute is custom-made for the attorney general to bring a case like this. How could you possibly say she doesn’t have standing?” Clearly, the judge found this argument incredulous and even referred to it as a joke. In a previous decision, he had characterized the arguments as “borderline frivolous,” and this sentiment was reaffirmed when the appellate division affirmed his rulings twice.
The Call for Sanctions:
While Judge Engoron has yet to rule on the motion for sanctions, his frustration with the repeated advancement of baseless arguments is evident. He emphasized the principle that if one has been warned against a certain course of action, such action should not be repeated. It remains to be seen what consequences may be imposed as a result of this disregard for legal boundaries.
The New York state fraud case against former president Donald Trump may have lost some of its initial public attention, but its potential implications for Trump and his business cannot be dismissed. The ongoing legal battle, although centered around financial crimes, should not be underestimated. Moreover, the courtroom antics of continuing to argue dismissed points have frustrated Judge Engoron, prompting the possibility of sanctions. As this case unfolds, it serves as a reminder that meticulous legal strategy and respect for the court’s decisions are essential elements of an effective defense.
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