Democracy Dies in Darkness
The Trump Cases

Judge Merchan faces critical decisions as Trump’s trial nears its end

The veteran New York Supreme Court justice so far has stayed calm amid tense courtroom battles and public attacks by Donald Trump and his allies.

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Updated May 19, 2024 at 10:13 a.m. EDT|Published May 19, 2024 at 6:00 a.m. EDT
New York Supreme Court Justice Juan Merchan in his chambers on March 14. (Seth Wenig/AP)
10 min

NEW YORK — It’s almost time for the judge to instruct the jury.

New York Supreme Court Justice Juan Merchan is approaching a critical juncture in Donald Trump’s hush money trial, one that has tripped up more than a few judges over the years and provided an avenue for defendants to successfully appeal a conviction: the jury charge.