Overview

• Donald Trump's legal team has asked for a 'directed verdict' three times in his ongoing civil fraud trial in New York, a move that legal experts have likened to a 'Hail Mary pass'.
• The 'directed verdict' is a request for the judge to dismiss the case on the basis that the State of New York has not brought sufficient evidence to prove its case.
• Retired New York judge Carolyn E. Demarest stated that such a request is 'excessive' and 'very, very rare', and she could not recall a single instance in her 35-year tenure where she granted such a request.
• Despite these requests, the trial continues to determine how much in damages Trump is liable to pay, with New York Attorney General Letitia James asking the court to fine Trump $250 million.
• Judge Arthur Engoron has already ruled that Trump was guilty of sending fraudulent financial statements artificially inflating the value of his assets.