DOJ Seeks Exclusion of Bankman-Fried’s Expert Witnesses in Trial

Kelvin Munene Murithi
August 29, 2023
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FTX News: US DOJ Appoints Creditor's Committee, SBF Files New Bail Request

In a recent report, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has urged disqualifying all expert witnesses by crypto magnate Sam Bankman-Fried for his impending trial. The DOJ contends that these expert testimonies and disclosures must be revised, making their exclusion imperative.

Highlighting their concerns, the DOJ underscores that numerous disclosures fall short of presenting the experts’ core opinions. Furthermore, many fail to provide a solid foundation for these opinions, a crucial stipulation per the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure 16. 

Additionally, the DOJ‘s concerns continue since they assert that some disclosed opinions might be unfit for expert testimony, either lacking in sound methodology or simply being irrelevant, potentially skewing the jury’s perspective.

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DOJ Challenges and Counter-Challenges Intensify

Among the experts are Lawrence Akka, Thomas Bishop, Brian Kim, and four other notable personalities from the legal sector. These experts were slated to share insights on various topics, from FTX and Alameda Research’s terms of service to the intricate nuances of blockchain technology.

However, the DOJ remains resolute as they are challenging Joseph Pimbley’s expertise on FTX’s code, citing it as unnecessary. They believe their witnesses, like former CTO Nishad Singh, can provide all required insights.

Bankman-Fried’s legal team ardently seeks his temporary release as the trial date approaches. They argue that current conditions could be more conducive to adequate trial preparations, especially after the legal team recently received four million pages of evidence, hence citing they need more time to prepare.

Furthermore, the DOJ has floated the idea of a Daubert hearing, a procedure to ascertain the admissibility of expert testimonies in an open court setting. Thus, as both sides brace for the trial, the unfolding legal drama showcases a myriad of maneuvers and counter-maneuvers, setting the stage for an intense courtroom battle.

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Investment disclaimer: The content reflects the author’s personal views and current market conditions. Please conduct your own research before investing in cryptocurrencies, as neither the author nor the publication is responsible for any financial losses.
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Why Trust CoinGape

CoinGape has covered the cryptocurrency industry since 2017, aiming to provide informative insights Read more…to our readers. Our journal analysts bring years of experience in market analysis and blockchain technology to ensure factual accuracy and balanced reporting. By following our Editorial Policy, our writers verify every source, fact-check each story, rely on reputable sources, and attribute quotes and media correctly. We also follow a rigorous Review Methodology when evaluating exchanges and tools. From emerging blockchain projects and coin launches to industry events and technical developments, we cover all facets of the digital asset space with unwavering commitment to timely, relevant information.

About Author
About Author
Kelvin Munene is a crypto and finance journalist with over 5 years of experience, offering in-depth market analysis and expert commentary . With a Bachelor's degree in Journalism and Actuarial Science from Mount Kenya University, Kelvin is known for his meticulous research and strong writing skills, particularly in cryptocurrency, blockchain, and financial markets. His work has been featured across top industry publications such as Coingape, Cryptobasic, MetaNews, Cryptotimes, Coinedition, TheCoinrepublic, Cryptotale, and Analytics Insight among others, where he consistently provides timely updates and insightful content. Kelvin’s focus lies in uncovering emerging trends in the crypto space, delivering factual and data-driven analyses that help readers make informed decisions. His expertise extends across market cycles, technological innovations, and regulatory shifts that shape the crypto landscape. Beyond his professional achievements, Kelvin has a passion for chess, traveling, and exploring new adventures.
Investment disclaimer: The content reflects the author’s personal views and current market conditions. Please conduct your own research before investing in cryptocurrencies, as neither the author nor the publication is responsible for any financial losses.
Ad Disclosure: This site may feature sponsored content and affiliate links. All advertisements are clearly labeled, and ad partners have no influence over our editorial content.