Opinion: Trump Defense’s ‘Gotcha’ Moments Failed Against Prosecution’s Strength
The prosecution rested its case in the New York Trump trial, which means that they are finished presenting their evidence.
Now the defense has a chance to put on their case if they choose to do so, as they are not obligated to put forth any evidence. The burden of putting forth evidence and proving the case in a criminal trial always remains entirely with the prosecution. They are the side that must prove the guilt of a defendant beyond a reasonable doubt.
At the close of the government’s case, the defense gets the chance to ask the judge to dismiss the case based on the premise that the prosecution has not proven the elements of the case sufficiently to allow the case even to go to a jury.