Prosecution attorney suggests in front of the jury that Gates may not testify.

[mobeau69]

Breaking News from CNN.

[shraby]

1. Maybe they have enough evidence they can nail Manafort without using

Gates.
Gates may have a better use in the prosecution of a different case that will be coming up.

[RockRaven]

2. I suspect this case depends primarily upon documents, and given Manafort's plan is to blame Gates

maybe they can prove their case without inviting a Gates cross-examination? Perhaps other witnesses can testify as to the meaning/significance of the various documents. I dunno.

Maybe they are just trying to rattle Manafort's lawyers by making them second-guess their defense strategy and keep them off-balance/less coherent.

[empedocles]

4. Trials tend to be very 'encompassing' for lawyers

This is a fast moving trial, with a challenging, sharp judge. Prosecution also has information advantages. Interesting move by prosecutors.

[lagomorph777]

6. Good theory, and I add that "cooperation" isn't synonymous with "testimony"

Gates may have been extremely useful in pointing prosecutors to the right documents; his testimony is superfluous if the docs make the case clearly enough.

[Me.]

3. So No Cross For Manafort Attorneys

can they put him on their witness list

[3Hotdogs]

5. I believe they can but there is a caveat in the trial lawyers' cookbook.

Never ask a witness a question for which you don't know the answer.

Mr. Simpson: "Please put on the gloves."