Judge reminds jurors where burden of proof rests

Judge Merchan made clear to jurors the circumstances in which they can find former President Donald Trump guilty.

The judge made clear that the burden of proof is on the people, or the prosecution in the case, and not on Trump, the defendant. Merchan also noted that Trump not testifying in the case is not to be used as a factor, telling jurors that the defendant is not the one has has to prove their own innocence and that the burden of proof never shift from the people to the defendant.

Merchan went on to explain the legal concept of burden of proof, noting that the law does not require the prosecution to prove guilt beyond all reasonable doubt. Each juror is responsible for deciding whether they are convinced beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant is guilty or not, the judge said.

THe judge also reminded jurors that a verdict cannot rest on speculation.