Prosecutors Object to Intrusive Questions in Bankman-Fried Trial
Prosecutors in the case against Sam Bankman-Fried, the former boss of collapsed crypto exchange FTX, have raised objections to certain questions proposed by Bankman-Fried’s defense team for jury selection. In a letter to Judge Lewis Kaplan, prosecutors argued that some of the questions were unnecessary and intrusive. They specifically highlighted queries regarding jurors’ opinions about FTX and whether they could “completely ignore” what they had previously seen. Prosecutors also deemed questions related to Bankman-Fried’s effective altruism philosophy and ADHD medication as irrelevant and prejudicial.
Prosecutors Dismiss Questions about Altruism
According to prosecutors, Bankman-Fried’s questions about effective altruism were an attempt to shape a defense narrative suggesting that he accumulated wealth to improve the world. They objected to these questions, stating that they were unnecessary and did not serve the purpose of voir dire. The prosecution also emphasized that no notice of a mental disease or condition defense had been provided within the court’s deadline.
Technological Arrangements Requested by Prosecution
The prosecution has requested specific technological arrangements for the trial, including a high-speed ethernet connection, a printer for government use, and headphones for the jury. These provisions are aimed at facilitating the efficient presentation of evidence during the proceedings. Both Bankman-Fried and the Department of Justice submitted voir dire questions last week, which aimed to identify potential jurors familiar with the case, crypto, or effective altruism.
Trial Date Set for October 3
The trial against Sam Bankman-Fried is scheduled to begin on October 3, with Judge Lewis A. Kaplan overseeing the jury selection process. Earlier this month, Bankman-Fried’s legal team requested his pre-trial release due to poor internet access in the federal jail, hindering his preparation for the trial. However, the government has been unable to solve the internet access problem in the cellblock.
Hot Take: Prosecutors Challenge Defense Questions in Bankman-Fried Trial
The case against Sam Bankman-Fried continues to face challenges as prosecutors object to certain questions proposed by his defense team. The prosecution argues that these questions are intrusive and unnecessary, attempting to shape a defense narrative. Additionally, the prosecution has requested technological arrangements for the trial to ensure an effective and efficient presentation of evidence. With the trial set to begin on October 3, it remains to be seen how these objections will be addressed and what impact they may have on the proceedings.
By
By
By
By