By Hal Brown
About the title: So far only two judges have been assigned to preside over Trump trials, Tanya Chutkan and Aileen Cannon, but it is possible he will have a male judge in Atlanta and in his New York cases. Correction: Alvin. Bragg's case is due to be heard by New York Supreme Court Justice Juan Merchan , "At a hearing in June, an irascible U.S. District Judge Alvin K. Hellerstein rebuffed Trump’s plans, with the judge becoming increasingly exasperated the more he detailed the weird business arrangement between Trump and [former Trump attorney Michael] Cohen." (read article)
To state the obvious, Trump is used to being the king of whichever domain he holds court over. Whether he was actually the king of Manhattan real estate remians to be seen. You can make the case that he was at least one of the kings of reality TV. Once he began his run for president his cult gelled quickly so it numbered in the millions.
The power he exerted over them has remained so high it would be envied by Jim Jones whose cult only numbered about 900 and David Koresh had about a 100 willing to fight to the death for him at Waco.
The average courtroom measures around 2,000 square feet with smaller rooms for the judge's chamber and jury deliberation rooms, but while you can say that this is the judge's domain the power exerted from the bench is represented by the fact that this is always the highest point in the room. It is elevated two or three steps above the floor of the courtroom.
There are practical reasons for the judge to sit higher but the main one is symbolic:
The elevation of the judge’s bench is also a symbol of authority. Important decisions take place in courtrooms and the judge must oversee and manage the proceedings to ensure the fair and effective administration of justice. Sitting in an elevated position, wearing a black robe, and being backed by flags or official seals promotes the judge as the central authoritative figure in the courtroom. Reference.
You've seen enough trials on TV dramas to know that the judge in a case has substantial power which can influence the outcome of a trial and the fate of the defendant. For example they can rule on what evidence can be presented and whether objections from lawyers on both sides are accepted, the can hold partcipants in contempt, and in some courts can decide on sentences.
You can read much more about how courts function on the ABA website here.
Trump only had judgelike power when he was actually president. Of course it hasn't completely sunk in that he isn't president. Having a cult in thrall to you doesn't give you the power to keep you out of legal jeopardy or even prison.
A real judge does have that power.
Blog Bonus:
Bonus Number Two:
The picture of imprisoned Trump (lower left) is used in lots of articles. Here's my version. I may use itand the one above for a blog in the future.
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