Judges Dismiss Appeal Citing Insufficient Evidence of Trial Errors, Reinforcing Carroll's Million-Dollar Compensation Win
In a landmark ruling cementing a high-profile legal battle, a United States federal court has upheld a civil judgment against
Donald Trump, confirming a jury’s decision that held the former and incoming President liable for sexual abuse against author E.
Jean Carroll.
The 2023 verdict, which ordered Trump to pay Carroll $5 million in damages, has now been reinforced despite Trump's fervent appeals.
The saga dates back to an incident in 1996, when Carroll accused Trump of assaulting her in a Manhattan department store.
While criminal charges were precluded by the statute of limitations, Carroll pursued civil action, culminating in a verdict that found Trump culpable for sexual abuse though not for rape, as alleged in the original claims.
Trump, who has consistently denied all allegations, sought to overturn the decision, branding the process as politically motivated.
Yet, in a recently disclosed court document, the New York federal court dismissed his appeal.
Judges concluded that Trump's legal team failed to demonstrate any procedural missteps significant enough to warrant a retrial or reversal.
A pivotal aspect of the court's decision was its approval of the use of testimonies from other women who accused Trump of similar misconduct.
The court also sanctioned the inclusion of infamous audio footage in which Trump discussed inappropriate conduct towards women.
The judges asserted these elements collectively illustrated a recurring misconduct pattern, further substantiating the jury's original findings.
Despite the judicial setback, Trump's spokesperson announced intentions to pursue additional legal avenues, attributing the decisions to political exploitation of the judiciary.
Adding to the legal pressure, Trump faces a second defamation case awarded earlier this year, granting Carroll over $83 million for slanderous comments made during his presidency.
Yet, this appeal remains unresolved, casting a shadow over Trump’s anticipated return to the political fray come January, when he resumes presidential duties.
The ongoing litigation continues to evoke a mix of legal fortitude and partisan drama as Trump navigates these compelling legal challenges.