Court Upholds Verdict Against Trump in Carroll Case

A federal appeals court has decided not to revisit a $5 million judgment against former President Trump. This decision follows a jury's ruling in 2023 that found Trump guilty of battery and defamation involving writer E. Jean Carroll. The incident in question occurred in the 1990s at a Bergdorf Goodman department store. The court's decision came after Trump requested a full hearing before the U. S. Court of Appeals for the 2nd Circuit. A previous three-judge panel had refused to overturn the original judgment. The court's ruling to deny this request was made without any explanation, which is typical in such cases. Three judges on the panel agreed that there was no significant error in the lower court's decision. This means they saw no reason to review the case further. However, Judge Steven Menashi, who was appointed by Trump, disagreed. He believed the lower court should have allowed the defense to present evidence that Trump thought Carroll's lawsuit was politically motivated. Carroll's attorney, Roberta Kaplan, responded to the court's decision. She stated that Carroll is satisfied with the outcome. Kaplan noted that Trump has tried multiple legal maneuvers to challenge the jury's findings, but these efforts have been unsuccessful. Trump is still considered liable for sexual assault and defamation. Trump is also fighting another legal battle. He is appealing a separate defamation award of $83 million to Carroll. This ongoing legal struggle highlights the complex nature of defamation and assault cases, especially when they involve public figures. The court's decision to uphold the judgment sends a clear message. It shows that even high-profile individuals are not above the law. This case also raises important questions about the legal process and the role of evidence in defamation and assault cases. It is a reminder that the legal system aims to provide justice, regardless of the parties involved. The public's attention on this case is intense. Many are watching to see how it unfolds. The outcome could set a precedent for future cases involving similar allegations. It is a critical moment in the legal system, and the decisions made will have lasting impacts.