@hubrys First - What you just said, is similar to what judges & lawyers say in North Korea, Nazi Germany, Venezuela, Cuba, Soviet Union, Iran, European Union.
They all think they're doing right & following law.
Here's what you're leaving out.
You're leaving out that the case is one of THE MOST INSANE legal stretches ever conceived. Even partisan SDNY turned it down.
And you're leaving out that so-called "judge" Merchan has conflicts of interest.
As in, FAMILY. FINANCIAL. INTERESTS. MASSIVE. CONFLICTS.
That Merchan is on case at all - That he hasn't recused - If it isn't a crime, it ought to be. It's double or triple of Dirty Fani's conflicts.
So you have a MASSIVELY conflicted, partisan judge, keeping himself in power on a RIDICULOUS PARTISAN LAWFARE case.
And in THAT context.... a case that couldn't be more wrong & partisan...... you say
The judge's statements aren't special to Trump
Uh-huh.
Yes they are special to Trump - because case is 100% political, a unique (we hope) expression of animus.
Biden can't campaign (being senile). So you Evil Lawfare Dems equalize (or try to), by make it so Trump can't campaign.
Next - Your comments described a judge ADVISING a defendant, that they OUGHT TO attend every day. Like, optional.
A criminal defendant has a right to be present for their trial under the Confrontation Clause, and there's a strong preference against trials in absentia. The Parker court established that you have to inform the defendant of their rights, the consequences of not showing up, and recommended that proceedings should be adjourned so that a bench warrant can be issued if a defendant doesn't show up (assuming that there isn't clear evidence that the defendant knowingly and voluntarily waived his/her right to be present for trial).
You're saying that, under Parker, President Trump could "voluntarily waiv[e] his right to be present".
Yes that's optional - as you described it.
But did Merchan tell Trump something optional?
"If you do not show up there will be an arrest," Merchan told Trump
Having knocked Merchan, let me say again, I am on Merchan's & your side - in this respect.
I hope Trump attends Barron's graduation, or one rally or something.... and then Merchan jails Trump!! Yes!