Following his conviction, former President Trump is expected to launch an appeal, navigating the intricacies of New York's legal system from the First Judicial Department to potentially the Supreme Court. Despite a Democratic-appointed majority in the Appellate Division and Court of Appeals, legal experts believe that there are "reversible problems" in the Manhattan DA's case, offering hope for a successful appeal.
Former President Donald Trump, after his recent conviction in a New York criminal trial, is widely anticipated to launch an appeal, embarking on a journey through the complex legal system of the state. This path is likely to lead him through the First Judicial Department of New York's Appellate Division and potentially beyond.
The First Judicial Department of the Appellate Division consists of 21 justices, the majority of whom were appointed by Democratic governors. Only one justice, David Friedman, was appointed by a Republican, dating back to 1999. Fourteen justices owe their appointments to former Governor Andrew Cuomo, while three were appointed by current Governor Kathy Hochul and two by David Paterson.
However, this Democratic majority does not automatically guarantee an unfavorable outcome for Trump. The former president and his legal team have a history of success before the First Department, including a recent victory clearing the way for him to sue his niece.
In one recent case, a five-judge panel from the First Department ruled in favor of Trump's lawsuit against his niece, Mary Trump. The panel included Associate Justices Sallie Manzanet-Daniels, Barbara Kapnick, Ellen Gesmer, Linet Rosado, and Friedman. This ruling demonstrates that the court is not inherently opposed to Trump's legal actions.
If Trump's appeal fails in the Appellate Division, his case could progress to the New York State Court of Appeals, the highest court in the state. This court also comprises seven judges appointed by Democratic governors, including one by Hochul and five by Cuomo.
Andrew Cuomo's role in appointing a majority of the judges on both the Appellate Division and the Court of Appeals could potentially pose a challenge for Trump's appeal. However, it is important to note that judges are expected to base their decisions on legal principles rather than partisan politics.
Despite the Democratic majority in the New York legal system, legal experts express optimism about Trump's chances of a successful appeal. Constitutional law attorney Jonathan Turley believes that the Manhattan DA's case against Trump contains "reversible problems," offering hope for a favorable outcome.
Should Trump's appeal fail in New York, he could potentially petition the U.S. Supreme Court to hear his case. The Supreme Court, where six out of nine justices were appointed by Republicans, could provide the final verdict on Trump's appeal.
Former President Trump's appeal journey through the New York legal system is likely to be a protracted and complex process. Despite facing a Democratic-appointed majority in both the Appellate Division and the Court of Appeals, Trump and his legal team remain hopeful for a successful outcome. The case may ultimately reach the U.S. Supreme Court, setting the stage for a potentially decisive ruling on the validity of Trump's conviction.
