Justice Merchan is explaining a key part of the prosecutor’s case to the jurors. They allege that Trump falsified business records with the intent to conceal another crime. BBC report.

He gives them an important instruction: the prosecution does not actually need to prove that the other crime was in fact committed.

He instructs them on the first of several other crimes prosecutors allege took place: violation of election laws.

The law prevents people from conspiring to promote or prevent the election of any person by unlawful means.