The Legal Tug-of-War
Arguments surrounding Sam Bankman-Fried’s (SBF) potential release from jail have been heated, with a three-judge panel from the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit stepping into the proverbial ring. On September 19, the courtroom saw lawyers from both sides spar for approximately five minutes each, sparking heated discussions about constitutional rights and courtroom decorum.
First Amendment Flop?
During this legal showdown, one judge didn’t mince words about the defense’s assertion regarding First Amendment rights. It appears this argument hit a wall, as the judge suggested its relevance had dwindled, particularly in light of SBF’s alleged intimidation tactics toward witnesses like Caroline Ellison, former CEO of Alameda Research. Talk about a fall from grace!
Lawyers Throwing Down
SBF’s legal team argued that they need Internet access to prepare for trial—kind of like asking for a phone charger during a road trip, but here it’s about staying out of jail. They contended that the U.S. District Court had made a significant error in denying their request for release based on First Amendment grounds. Everyone loves a good legal rollercoaster!
Internet Issues and Implications
U.S. Assistant Attorney Danielle Sassoon acknowledged some hiccups concerning Internet access while SBF was housed at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn. However, she quickly pointed out that SBF had ample time to prep for court. Here’s the kicker: Sassoon claimed that SBF’s actions towards Ms. Ellison suggested interference with a fair trial. Spoiler alert—this isn’t a good look for SBF’s case!
Two Trials, Double Trouble
As the clock ticks toward his trial, which kicks off on October 3, 2023, things are looking tense for Bankman-Fried. He’s facing seven fraud charges linked to his management (or mismanagement, depending on whom you ask) of user funds at FTX and Alameda. If that’s not enough, a second trial looms on the horizon in March 2024, racking up five more charges for our beleaguered protagonist. Talk about a courtroom double feature!
