Judge sets stage for Alec Baldwin's involuntary manslaughter trial

A New Mexico judge is preparing for the involuntary manslaughter trial of actor Alec Baldwin on the set of 'Rust'.

A New Mexico judge is preparing for the involuntary manslaughter trial of actor Alec Baldwin in the fatal shooting of a cinematographer on the set of a Western movie. Judge Mary Marlowe Sommer will consider an array of requests from prosecutors and defense attorneys that could restrict what evidence, testimony, and court arguments are heard by a jury.

The pretrial hearing is expected to last much of the day, and Baldwin's attorneys have waived his appearance at all hearings before the trial. The trial is set to begin on July 9 with jury selection and is scheduled to last 10 days.

Last week, the judge cleared the way for crucial firearms experts for the prosecution to testify about Baldwin's handling of the revolver and whether the gun was functioning properly prior to the fatal shooting. Defense attorneys have asked the judge to exclude consideration of Baldwin's secondary role as a co-producer on "Rust," arguing it's irrelevant to allegations of negligence and might confuse jurors.

Prosecutors disagree and say it was likely Baldwin's imposing role as a producer that emboldened him to act recklessly and disregard the safety of others in allegedly flouting gun-safety protocols. The defense team and prosecutors disagree about Baldwin's contractual authority as producer over crew members who dealt with weapons and safety.

Baldwin is charged with a single felony count of involuntary manslaughter punishable by up to 18 months in prison if he's convicted. The trial is expected to be a complex and emotional one, with many questions still surrounding the events leading up to the fatal shooting.