Judge Denies Access to Witnesses in Sam Bankman-Fried's Trial

Judge Lewis Kaplan, the presiding Judge in the trials of Sam Bankman-Fried (SBF), the embattled founder of the bankrupt FTX Derivatives Exchange has blocked access to a key witness being fronted to appear in the case when trial commences.

The New Verdict

According to a new filing containing the ruling, Judge Kaplan said the expert testimony being requested by the Department of Justice (DOJ) to present Lawrence Akka, a British barrister, is not admissible to the court. At the trial that is set to commence on October 3, Lawrence who is also a Professor at the University of Michigan is being fronted to share insights into the FTX Terms of Services and Obligations.

“The opinion of an English barrister as to the meaning or legal effect of contractual language, even language in a contract governed by English law, simply is not a proper subject of a jury’s attention,” Kaplan said.

Sam Bankman-Fried is being accused of a different number of allegations including conspiracy to commit fraud as well as campaign finance violations amongst others. The trial is advancing because he has pleaded not guilty to these charges and he’d have an opportunity to defend himself as early as next week.

To bolster its position, the Prosecutors presented Lawrence alongside a group of 6 others from firms that might be able to contribute substantially to its claims in the trial. With the prohibition placed on the witnesses, the court has made allowance for future testimonies should certain conditions be met.

A Win in Sam Bankman-Fried’s Trial?

While the denial of these expert witnesses might have dent a small hole in the push by the SEC to rein in its arguments, it does not by any means guarantee a win in the entirety of Sam Bankman-Fried’s trial.

Many market experts are awaiting the outcome of the arguments from both the prosecutors and the defense. The close watch will even be compounded owing to the fact that SBF has been in jail with limited access to time and network to prepare for his case. The outcome from the initial arguments is billed to grant insights into the potential outcome in the long run.