Weinstein won’t take stand in trial
NEW YORK – Harvey Weinstein will not take the stand to defend himself at his sex crimes trial, and his legal team announced in court Tuesday that the defense rested its case.
After testimony by one defense witness followed by a long break in the witness room with his defense team, Weinstein returned to court to be asked by Judge James Burke what he planned to do. The jury was out of the courtroom.
“He’s pled not guilty, and he’s not going to testify,” defense lawyer Damon Cheronis said.
“Mr. Cheronis, does the defense have any more witnesses to call?” Burke asked.
“No, your honor. The defense rests.” In criminal trials, a defendant is not required to take the stand. The prosecution has the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt, and all 12 members of a jury must vote unanimously to convict or acquit. Judges typically instruct juries not to hold it against defendants if they decide not to take the stand.
Burke said the “evidence portion” of the trial is concluded. Court will not be in session Wednesday or Monday, which is Presidents Day. Burke said closing arguments will begin Thursday with the defense and continue Friday for the prosecution.
“Then Tuesday morning, I will give you the final instructions on the law, which should take about an hour, and then I will ask you to deliberate and reach a verdict on each count,” Burke told the jury.
“And that will be that.” Outside the courthouse later, Weinstein lawyer Arthur Aidala said Weinstein had been willing and “anxious” to take the stand to “clear his name.”
During the break behind closed doors, Weinstein’s defense team advised him he didn’t need to testify because the evidence presented by the prosecution was “anemic at best,” Aidala said.
The only defense witness Tuesday was Thomas Richards, 47, a former Hollywood agent for accuser Jessica Mann, who said Weinstein raped her in