The jury in the trial involving Michael Cohen's response to the Federal Election Commission investigation into the payment to Stormy Daniels received a cautionary instruction from Judge Juan Merchan. The judge informed the jury that Cohen's statement was permitted solely to help them evaluate Cohen's credibility and provide context, emphasizing that it should not be considered as evidence of an FEC investigation or be used to determine President Trump's guilt.
During the 2018 statement, Cohen wrote, 'Just because something isn’t true doesn’t mean that it can’t cause you harm or damage. I will always protect Mr. Trump.' Cohen clarified that this particular line was meant to support his claim that he used his personal funds for the transaction.
The judge's instructions aimed to guide the jury in understanding the purpose of Cohen's statement within the trial's context. By emphasizing the limited scope of the statement's relevance, the judge sought to prevent any misconceptions or biases from influencing the jury's decision-making process.
As the trial progresses, the jury will need to carefully weigh the information presented to them, considering the nuances of each piece of evidence without allowing extraneous factors to unduly sway their judgment. Judge Merchan's guidance underscores the importance of maintaining objectivity and focusing on the facts pertinent to the case at hand.
