2nd Circuit Court Upholds $83 Million Verdict Against Trump in E. Jean Carroll Defamation Case
A federal appeals court has decided not to grant a full hearing of its active judges to review an $83 million verdict against President Donald Trump in a defamation case brought by advice columnist E. Jean Carroll. The 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals rejected the request for an "en banc" hearing, following Trump's appeal to the Supreme Court regarding a previous $5 million verdict in favor of Carroll. Trump's lawyers have not commented on the decision, while Carroll's attorney expressed her client's desire for closure and justice in the case.
After a three-judge panel of the 2nd Circuit upheld the $83 million verdict against Trump, a request was made for all judges to hear the appeal, but the majority voted against it. Judge Denny Chin, in a statement, highlighted the history of the case, which originated from Carroll's allegations of sexual abuse by Trump in the 1990s. Trump denied the allegations, leading to a defamation lawsuit by Carroll. The court found that Trump's statements caused harm to Carroll, leading to harassment and threats against her.
Despite some dissenting opinions from circuit judges who argued for presidential immunity and a new trial for Trump, the majority upheld the defamation award as justified. The court emphasized the impact of Trump's statements on Carroll's life and the need for accountability in defamation cases. The decision marks another chapter in the legal battle between Trump and Carroll, with the possibility of further appeals to the Supreme Court. The case reflects the complexities of defamation law and the importance of addressing harm caused by false statements.