Trump prosecutors' 3 goals in opening remarks

Plus, Rep. Crockett on why Democrats won't save Speaker Johnson

VIEW IN BROWSER MSNBC DAILY Understand today's news Monday, Apr. 22, 2024 THE LATEST How prosecutors will 'draw the sting' during opening statements in Trump's trial By Glenn Kirschner The first criminal trial of a former president of the United States turns toward opening statements this week. Criminal litigators neither win nor lose a trial based on their opening statements. But jurors will begin to form important impressions: not only of the evidence for or against the charges they will be called upon to decide, but of the attorneys themselves.    To understand the different goals and priorities of a prosecutor giving an opening statement and those of a defense attorney, we need to start with the basic principles of a criminal trial. Every defendant is presumed innocent, unless and until the evidence proves the defendant's guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. The burden of proof rests solely with the prosecution, to the point that the defense is not required to produce any evidence at trial.    The goals of a prosecutor's opening statement are threefold.   This is a preview of Glenn Kirschner's latest article. Read the full column here.  MORE STORIES CLARISSA-JAN LIM These are all the jurors in Trump's hush money trial The 12 jurors and 6 alternates said they got their news from a range of media outlets and social media platforms, and appear to have a wide variety of interests. Read more. MICHAEL A. COHEN The seismic political fallout from Trump's criminal trial is only beginning Every day spent in court is a day that Trump can't be out talking to supporters or raising money. Read more. JOHN WHITEHOUSE Fox News' Jesse Watters takes Trump/MAGA media feedback loop to a new low This is a coordinated attempt to use chaos to undermine public confidence in Trump's trial. Read more. JA'HAN JONES Tesla announces Cybertruck recall at the worst possible time for Elon Musk Tesla is recalling thousands of its Cybertrucks due to a faulty accelerator pedal, just as its CEO is trying to reinstate a very generous pay package. Read more.         TOP VIDEOS THE WEEKEND 'We do not reward the bare minimum': Rep. Crockett on why Democrats won't save Speaker Johnson WATCH NOW THE WEEKEND Weissmann: Expect a 'tug of war over Michael Cohen' in hush money opening statements WATCH NOW INSIDE WITH JEN PSAKI John Legend: Donald Trump is 'truly a racist at his core' WATCH NOW ALI VELSHI 'A major breakthrough': Volkswagen workers in Tennessee vote to join United Auto Workers WATCH NOW MORE FROM MSNBC In the latest episode of "Prosecuting Donald Trump," MSNBC legal analysts Andrew Weissmann and Mary McCord detail the jury selection process now that the twelve-person jury is seated in the New York criminal case against Donald Trump. Plus, Robert De Niro and Glenn Close read excerpts of District Attorney Alvin Bragg's Statement of Facts. Listen now. Sunday, watch "Commitment to Life." The feature documentary takes an intimate look back at the fight against HIV/AIDS in Los Angeles and the community that changed the course of the epidemic. Watch "Commitment to Life" Sunday at 9pm ET on MSNBC and streaming now on Peacock.   MSNBC INSIGHTS Have you ever wanted to provide MSNBC with your opinion about their TV programs, documentaries, and digital products, such as MSNBC.com, newsletters, and podcasts? Now is your chance! Join the MSNBC Insights Community.   Download the MSNBC App: 30 Rockefeller Plaza New York, NY 10112 PRIVACY | CONTACT | UNSUBSCRIBE