Bankman-Fried’s Defense Team Calls for Clear Directions on Trial Arguments

This comes following a verdict by the judge, who resolved that Bankman-Fried should not reference his intended “advice of counsel” defense in opening remarks. However, with prior notification to both the court and the prosecution, the defense might be permitted to employ these arguments later.

DOJ’s Efforts to Block Mental Health Defense

Furthermore, the DOJ has tried to halt the introduction of a mental health defense by Bankman-Fried’s team, asserting they weren’t adequately informed prior to the cut-off.

The agency argued that queries around ‘effective altruism’ are superfluous, accusing them of attempting to frame a defense narrative that Bankman-Fried was amassing riches for global betterment. Questions about Bankman-Fried’s ADHD and related medications were deemed immaterial and potentially biasing, with the DOJ stressing the defense did not give notice about a mental health defense within the set timeframe.

Recently, undisclosed tweets by Bankman-Fried have emerged, where he talks about facing mental challenges like mild depression and anhedonia since at least the past December.

The trial kickoff is set for 9:30 a.m. ET on Tuesday, commencing with jury selection.

Prosecutors expect the selection to wrap up within the day, hinting that opening statements might be presented as soon as October 4.

Both parties submitted voir dire questions the prior month to determine potential jurors’ familiarity with the case, especially regarding cryptocurrency or effective altruism.