Former President Trump’s No-Jury Trial Raises Legal Questions in New York Civil Fraud Case, Says CNN

Former President Donald Trump has expressed dissatisfaction with the civil trial in New York, where he is facing allegations of business fraud, as it does not involve a jury. Trump’s lawyers argue that the applicable New York state law, used by state Attorney General Letitia James to bring the complaint against him, does not allow for a jury trial. However, legal experts familiar with New York state law suggest that the question of a jury trial is complex, and while Trump may not have had a strong chance of success, his legal team could have pursued the option. Judge Arthur Engoron, presiding over the trial, stated that no parties involved had requested a jury trial and that the law stipulated a “bench trial” to be decided by a judge. Trump’s lawyers have rejected the idea that they failed to request a jury trial, emphasizing the limitations imposed by the consumer protection statute under which the case was filed. The trial seeks equitable relief, such as injunctions or the return of illegally obtained profits, which, according to experts, do not guarantee a right to a jury trial under the Seventh Amendment of the Constitution. Trump is facing several claims, including allegations of falsifying business records, issuing false financial statements, and insurance fraud. The trial, attended by Trump voluntarily for the first three days, is expected to continue into December.