Rittenhouse Self-Defense Argument Bolstered By Judge's Decision

Next Monday, Illinois teen Kyle Rittenhouse is scheduled to go on trial for the deaths of Joseph Rosenbaum and Anthony Huber along with the wounding of Gaige Grosskreutz last August as riots and looting were erupting across Kenosha, Wisconsin. Rittenhouse’s defense got a big boost this week when the judge overseeing the case ruled that, while prosecutors cannot refer to the three men shot by Rittenhouse as “victims” because it could be prejudicial to the jury, defense attorneys can describe the trio as rioters and looters.

Circuit Judge Bruce Schroeder cautioned the defense team against using pejorative terms during opening statements, but he said they could use them in their closing arguments if the evidence suggested the men engaged in criminal acts.

“He can demonize them if he wants, if he thinks it will win points with the jury,” Schroeder said.

In another ruling that could help Rittenhouse’s legal team make the case that their client was acting in self-defense, Judge Schroeder weighed in on what the jury will be allowed to hear about police interactions with Rittenhouse before the shootings took place. Once again, Assistant District Attorney Thomas Binger wasn’t happy with the judge’s decision.