Hi, I'm Danpermac and welcome to Axios Recap, presented by Morgan Stanley.

Today is Monday, April 19th.

Stocks are down, vaccine eligibility is open up to all U.S. adults, and all eyes are on a courtroom in Minneapolis.

Closing arguments begin today in the trial of former Minneapolis police officer Derek

Chauvin, who's accused of murdering George Floyd last May. A verdict could be reached by the

jury as early as late this afternoon, at least in theory, although it's unlikely to be read

before tomorrow. Three things to know about what's happening inside the courtroom, and then one thing

outside the courtroom.

First, the prosecution has argued that Chauvin's actions not only led directly to Floyd's

death, but that they were criminal violations of police department policy.

This was backed up by Minneapolis's police chief who took a sledgehammer to the blue wall of silence

and also by a Los Angeles police department inspector who argued that Chauvin used deadly force

when he should have used no force at all.

Two, the defense's argument has basically been that it's impossible to know the actual

cause of Floyd's death, at least beyond a reasonable doubt.

One theory floated by the defense was that Floyd's drug use or heart condition could have

played a role, while a defense medical witness suggested carbon monoxide from the police cruiser

could have contributed. Chauvin himself declined to testify, citing his Fifth Amendment rights

against self-incrimination. Three, when we get a verdict, the headline, of course, will be guilty or innocent.

But it may prove a little murkier than that, particularly if the jury says the Chauvin is guilty

of manslaughter, but not of murder. Outside the courtroom, tensions are obviously quite high.

Higher, in fact, than when the trial began due to the police

...