Judge rules Trump is liable in second E. Jean Carroll defamation case, with jury to decide damages in January

In a significant development in the ongoing legal saga involving writer E. Jean Carroll and former President Donald Trump, a federal judge has ruled that Trump is liable in the second defamation case brought against him by Carroll. The judge’s ruling sets the stage for a jury to determine the damages in January.

Background on the E. Jean Carroll Case

The E. Jean Carroll case gained national attention when Carroll publicly accused Trump of sexual assault in a 2019 memoir. Trump denied the allegations and called them a “hoax” and a “lie.” Carroll subsequently filed a defamation lawsuit against Trump.

The First Defamation Case Outcome

In the first defamation case, a jury found Trump liable for defaming Carroll and awarded her $5 million in damages. However, the jury did not find Trump guilty of rape, instead concluding that he sexually abused Carroll. Trump’s legal team promptly appealed the verdict, leading to ongoing legal proceedings.

Judge’s Ruling on Trump’s Liability

In the second defamation case, Judge Lewis A. Kaplan has ruled that Trump is liable for his statements about Carroll. The judge stated that Trump’s comments were defamatory and rejected his arguments seeking to dismiss the case. This ruling paves the way for a jury to determine the amount of damages Carroll will receive.

Jury to Decide Damages

Following the judge’s ruling, the case will proceed to a jury trial in January, where the jury will evaluate the evidence presented and determine the appropriate amount of damages to be awarded to Carroll. The jury’s decision will have significant financial implications for both parties involved.

Implications of the Ruling

This ruling creates additional legal and financial challenges for Trump as he continues to face multiple legal battles and investigations. The outcome of this case could further impact his reputation and potentially set precedents in defamation law.

Conclusion

The ruling by Judge Kaplan confirming Trump’s liability in the second defamation case filed by E. Jean Carroll is a notable development in the ongoing legal disputes between the two parties. With a jury set to determine the damages in January, the outcome of this case remains uncertain. The repercussions of this ruling extend beyond this specific case and may have wider implications for defamation law.

FAQs

1. How did the first defamation case against Trump end?

In the first defamation case, a jury found Trump liable for defamation against E. Jean Carroll and awarded her $5 million in damages.

2. What is the significance of the judge’s ruling?

The judge’s ruling confirms Trump’s liability in the second defamation case, setting the stage for a jury to decide the damages Carroll will receive.

3. When will the jury decide the damages?

The jury will evaluate the evidence and determine the damages in January.

4. What are the implications of this ruling for Trump?

This ruling adds to the legal challenges already faced by Trump, potentially impacting his reputation and setting precedents in defamation law.

5. What happens next in the E. Jean Carroll case?

The case will proceed to a jury trial, where the jury will determine the amount of damages Carroll will be awarded.