Sam Bankman-Fried Cannot Open His Trial With an 'Advice of Counsel' Defense

In a ruling by Judge Lewis Kaplan, Sam Bankman-Fried's defense team was denied the ability to use an "advice of counsel" defense in his upcoming criminal trial. The judge stated that allowing this argument could prejudice the jury. Prosecutors had argued that there was no clear connection between Bankman-Fried's alleged wrongdoing and the FTX company lawyers. This decision further limits Bankman-Fried's options for defense in the trial.