On Tuesday evening, a seemingly minor modification made by Judge Lewis Kaplan to a court order captured the attention of legal analysts, hinting at potential implications for the jury’s deliberations in a high-profile damages trial. Kaplan altered a single word in the document, changing “lunch” to “meals.” This subtle change, while small, is laden with significance, according to MSNBC legal analyst Lisa Rubin.
Rubin interprets this adjustment as a signal from Judge Kaplan to the broader public. She suggests that the change in terminology indicates Kaplan’s readiness for the jury to engage in extended deliberations, potentially stretching into the evening hours.
The implication here is that Kaplan is preparing for a scenario where the jury’s discussions go beyond the typical daytime schedule, demonstrating his willingness to accommodate a thorough and possibly prolonged deliberation process.
The trial, which has been drawing considerable attention, experienced a pause since Monday. This interruption was due to an unexpected turn of events when Alina Habba, the attorney representing Donald Trump, disclosed her recent exposure to COVID-19.
Additionally, a juror reported in sick on the same day, contributing to the delay. Trump, who has publicly stated his intention to testify in the trial, was unable to attend the court proceedings on Tuesday. His absence was due to his involvement in the New Hampshire Primary Election, an event of significant political importance.
Originally, the court proceedings were scheduled to resume on Wednesday. However, this plan has been altered, with the trial now expected to continue on Thursday. This latest development adds another layer of complexity to a trial that has been characterized by unexpected twists and high-stakes legal maneuvering. Judge Kaplan’s word change in the court order, though seemingly minor, plays into this narrative, suggesting a readiness for a potentially extended and intense jury deliberation phase.