Justice Arthur Engoron faced a dramatic moment on January 11, 2024, while walking his dog in the early morning. He noticed a multitude of police lights heading to his home. A police officer informed him of a bomb threat targeting his house. Engoron quickly gathered his family, including his wife and children, to leave their home in the cold morning air.
Later that day, Engoron presided over a significant case as a New York Supreme Court judge. The defendant was Donald Trump, who was involved in a civil fraud trial full of objections and tense moments. Trump circumvented the judge’s instructions to make his closing arguments.
Now retired, Engoron shared his thoughts in a CBS News interview, discussing his judicial career’s challenges and achievements. He spoke on the current hostile environment judges face, noting that threats might deter some from pursuing a judicial career. “People less inclined to face threats shouldn’t become judges,” Engoron said.
Engoron received various threats, including antisemitic and homophobic remarks and an envelope with white powder. Despite recurring harassing phone calls and incidents like being verbally attacked at a gym, Engoron learned to remain unresponsive to insults. He mentioned that judges must endure verbal attacks without retaliation.
Throughout the trial, Engoron’s role attracted significant attention, particularly from Trump and his supporters, who derogatively labeled him with various terms. Despite constant criticism, Engoron remained focused, especially when Trump’s actions threatened his staff’s safety. A court officer eventually escorted Engoron’s law clerk after Trump targeted her, leading Engoron to impose a gag order on Trump, a move later replicated in others of Trump’s legal cases.
Engoron enjoyed a level of recognition he hadn’t before his involvement in Trump’s trial. He recounted encounters with strangers expressing gratitude and even being recognized by Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor. Comments like “You were the most famous judge in America, for a while” were common.
Despite his retirement, Engoron misses the aspects of being a judge. He now serves as senior counsel at Phillips Nizer LLP. “Being a judge is the greatest job,” Engoron reflected, appreciating the societal role, setting legal precedents, and the respect entailed.
Engoron faced criticism during the trial, with Trump allies accusing him of media pandering. Engoron shrugged off these accusations, citing enthusiasm for his duties, despite media interpretations labeling it as “hot-dogging.” Trump’s legal team was known for lengthy speeches, which Engoron allowed as part of his commitment to giving each side a fair opportunity.
Known for his candid demeanor, Engoron’s written opinions in the case were direct and meticulous. He documented clear evidence of fraud committed by Trump and others involved. Initially, Engoron found Trump and his associates liable for fraud, later sanctioning them with severe financial penalties, including additional interest to more than $500 million, though an appeals court adjusted these financial repercussions.
Engoron remains attentive to the ongoing appeals but claims contentment with his adjudication role. “I had moments of glory. I aimed to be even-handed and fair,” Engoron stated, reflecting on his legacy.
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