Based on his historical viewpoint, - Which judge will determine Trump's outcome?
Imagine this: A momentous indictment has been handed down against Joe Biden, 81, in the midst of a heated battle against him. The jury found the prior US President guilty on all 34 bribery charges brought against him. An extraordinary feat - Trump is now the first former US President to be convicted in a criminal trial.
Although the verdict carries weight, the sentence will only be announced on July 11th. It's likely to include either a monetary fine or imprisonment. Trump's lawyers have immediately filed an appeal.
Ever wondered who's the man behind this landmark decision? Meet the resolute judge from New York, Juan Merchan, 61.
A glance into the background: Born in Colombia, this seasoned lawyer has 20 years of experience as a judge. Moving to New York when he was six years old, the young Juan endured humble beginnings - an experience matching up to Trump's early life in Queens.
Living the American Dream: At 9, Merchan started earning - he was the first in his family to attend college. Throughout his studies, he juggled his time as a night watchman. Upon graduation, he began working in Manhattan as a prosecutor and was appointed a judge by New York's former Mayor Michael Bloomberg, 82, in 2006.
Marbled in marriage: Lauren, his wife, is also a judge, and the couple has one child together.
Observers testimony: Merchan's air of authority is prominent in the courtroom, making him a natural and sober figure. His supporters describe him as reasonable, firm, and just. A stark contrast to the previous attempts to have him dismissed from the case for bias. Despite this, the Trump team unsuccessfully tried to avoid him. Eventually, Merchan continued his proceedings, deemed a "Merchan Show."
A score: Trump and Merchan's history dates back to 2022, where he presided over a case involving Trump's real estate company's tax fraud. There, the court levied a fine of $1.6 million. Unreserved, Trump still refers to Merchan as a Democratic party puppet.
Intriguing timing: The date set for Merchan to announce the sentence is just four days before the Republican convention, where Trump is scheduled to be formally nominated for the presidency, competing to take on the current office-holder, Biden, following their 2020 election battle.
Interesting trivia: Even if were to convict Trump to serve time in prison, which is thought to be unlikely, it wouldn't stop him from his presidential aspirations. The US Constitution doesn't forbid the exercise of the presidency while in prison.
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