Alec Baldwin's Trial Begins
The Alec Baldwin trial began on July 10th, 2024. Alec Baldwin arrived and entered the courthouse promptly for his trial where the attorneys began with opening statements. The prosecution began as they had the burden of proof, citing Baldwin’s “make believe” and negligence that led to the death of Halyna Hutchins. The defense, proclaimed Baldwin’s innocence; citing the fact that Baldwin is an actor, whose role was to act within the role he was hired to portray. The defending attorney added that s an actor, they rely on the experts on set in order to fulfill their role; oftentimes pulling the trigger to make the scenes more realistic. The attorney reminded the jury that “a cold gun cannot hurt anybody;” continuing that the gun had been destroyed by law enforcement to conduct further unnecessary testing, and likely to destroy the firearm. But a “cold gun” is still a real gun. The defense cited that Baldwin had no mental state that a live round was in the prop gun; yet this was the case. Both attorneys opening statements were drawn out and overly analytical; but strongly supported each position in light of the facts. Alec Baldwin shot Halyna Hutchins; yet this was not his intent, nor his responsibility to act in that capacity on set. Therefore, the liability of who was responsible for the state of the gun before it was discharged must be determined by the jury. Baldwin may not be guilty of murder, yet acted instrumentally in the death of Hutchins. Thus, the jury must find the extent of the responsibility and obligation that all who handle firearms should possess. This tragic accident has positioned an actor to appear as he intentionally may have shot the gun; or fired the gun out of negligence. But he bore responsibility to conduct himself in a professional manner, especially when handling a firearm. And should an actor who is told cold gun, be concerned with the state of the firearm; whilst acting in their role?
As Baldwin’s case progresses the jury will have to decide if the actor took personal incentive or if this could’ve been prevented under reasonable expectations of an actor handling a firearm. Overall, the opening statements were expansive and argumentative; the defense received an objection from the State during his statement. The prosecuting attorney believes that there is enough evidence to convince the jury beyond a reasonable doubt that Baldwin is guilty of criminal negligence and should be sentenced as retribution for his conduct on set. Baldwin’s critics believe that it takes only a few seconds to check a firearm; whereas Baldwin’s advocates cite that the actor was personifying a character on set as an actor, not a gun expert.
The movie set’s armorer, Hannah Gutierrez-Reed was found guilty of involuntary manslaughter and sentenced to eighteen months in prison. Now the jury must decide if Alec Baldwin is guilty of committing a crime whilst acting on the set of Rust, and if his punishment should be equal in its sentencing.
Follow the trial’s live coverage, with legal commentary here:
Bibliography
Laid Back Law. Trial Coverage: Day One. https://rumble.com/v56bfnp-alec-baldwin-rust-shooting-trial-day-one-morning.html