Judge Kaplan and the Defense’s Uncertainty
After the jury left the courtroom, Judge Lewis Kaplan discussed procedural matters with the lawyers from both sides. When asked about the duration of his defense, Mark Cohen, Sam Bankman-Fried’s lead defense attorney, responded mysteriously. The defense has had difficulty scoring points during cross-examination, particularly with the three members of Bankman-Fried’s inner circle who are cooperating with the government. The defense claims that objections from Kaplan and the government prosecutors have limited their ability to present an alternate narrative.
Late Planning or Strategic Maneuvering?
The term “put on a case” refers to whether or not the defense will call witnesses or put Bankman-Fried on the stand. Not putting on a case would mean relying solely on cross-examination. This last-minute planning may simply indicate that Bankman-Fried’s lawyers are weighing their options and playing their cards close to the vest.
Likely to Present Witnesses or Evidence
Legal experts believe that Bankman-Fried’s lawyers will likely present witnesses or submit evidence, even if it is not a lengthy defense. The defense expects their case to last no more than a week or week and a half. However, they have faced setbacks in pre-trial motions, with many of their requests being denied by Judge Kaplan.
Struggles in Cross-Examination
Bankman-Fried’s lawyers have faced challenges in cross-examining the prosecution’s witnesses. Their attempts to refresh the witnesses’ recollection using documents or notes have largely been unsuccessful. Even when questions were focused, they struggled to impugn the witnesses’ character effectively.
Frustration with Judge Kaplan
During a sidebar discussion, Cohen expressed frustration with Judge Kaplan’s judgments, stating that they should be allowed to present their own view of what happened. Kaplan disagreed, but eventually granted Cohen’s request for a question that had been objected to by the government.
Will Bankman-Fried Take the Stand?
Bankman-Fried’s lawyers can decide whether or not he will testify until the jury begins deliberations. Even if advised against it, Bankman-Fried can still choose to take the stand at any time.
Hot Take: Uncertainty Surrounds Bankman-Fried’s Defense Strategy
As the trial of Sam Bankman-Fried continues, his defense team faces challenges in presenting their case. With objections from the judge and limitations on their cross-examination, they have struggled to score points against the prosecution’s witnesses. The defense’s uncertainty about how they will defend Bankman-Fried has raised questions about their strategy. While it is possible that they are still weighing their options, some legal experts believe that they may not present a lengthy defense. As the trial progresses, it remains to be seen whether Bankman-Fried will take the stand and how effective his defense will be in countering the prosecution’s case.
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