It is standard procedure for the defense to move for a directed verdict/acquittal/demurrer at the close of the state’s case. In some jurisdictions, failure to make this motion precludes the defense from making the motion (again) at the closing of the case.
In this case, do you guys think that Merchan will deny it too, even if it is overwhelmingly obvious that Bragg failed to make his case?
He knows that will mean the jury will never get to deliberate and possibly have a "reverse jury nullification," which is going to be the Hail Mary that the Democrats are hoping for.
Just how far do you all think that Merchan is willing to go to "Get Trump?" Is he a true believer who is willing to throw away his career and ruin the reputation of the legal system in New York City? Does he believe that in New York he's free to abuse the law as far as it takes to Get Trump and there won't be any consequences to him because it's what the system wants and who's going to stop them?
If all the experts across all the media believe that Bragg failed to make his case, will Merchan still make Trump put on his defense in order to keep him tied up in court spending money and losing campaign time?
If Merchan did that, would it be a violation of Trump's sixth amendment right to a speedy trial? If Merchan did that, would anybody care?
-PJ