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Former President Donald Trump’s legal Battle Over $5 Million Judgment

Attendance at Federal Appeals Court Hearing

On Friday, former President Donald Trump was seen at a federal appeals court in New York, engaging in arguments as he challenges a significant $5 million judgment that finds him liable for sexually abusing and defaming writer E. Jean Carroll. This court appearance marks a key moment for Trump, particularly as he ramps up his presidential campaign, which is now in the final stages leading to the upcoming elections.

The hearing was remarkably brief, lasting just 22 minutes. Remarkably, it followed a critical hearing the day before in which Trump chose not to appear for his Washington, D.C. criminal case. His decision to show up for this appeal drew considerable media attention, especially in light of the jury’s previous conclusion that he likely committed sexual abuse against Carroll.

Significant Outcomes of the Case

The case against Trump is one of two in which federal juries have collectively awarded Carroll more than $88 million. During the May 2023 trial, jurors were presented with evidence regarding Carroll’s allegations that Trump sexually assaulted her in a department store dressing room in the mid-1990s. Following the alleged assault, Trump was accused of defaming her after she publicly disclosed her experience. Interestingly, in the initial trial, Trump opted not to attend and later expressed dissatisfaction with his lawyers for advising him to stay away.

In a subsequent trial, Trump did attend and provided brief testimony. This proceeding culminated in an even larger judgment of $83 million against him, focusing primarily on additional claims of defamation brought forth by Carroll.

legal Arguments Coming to Light

In Trump’s appeal concerning the first judgment, his attorneys argued vehemently on Friday that the presiding judge made "flawed and prejudicial evidentiary rulings." They asserted that the testimonies of two of Carroll’s friends—in which they claimed she confided in them shortly after the alleged assault—should have been barred. Trump has consistently denied all allegations lodged against him, maintaining his stance of innocence.

Attorney John Sauer, representing Trump, described the case as a "quintessential ‘he said, she said’ scenario," contending that the evidence presented was "implausible." He further argued that the testimonies of two additional women, Jessica Leeds and Natasha Stoynoff, who alleged similar behaviors from Trump, should not have been permitted in court. Leeds recounted an incident on an airplane where Trump allegedly groped her, and Sauer stressed that this occurred before any federal law prohibiting such conduct was enacted.

Rebuttals from Carroll’s legal Team

Carroll’s attorney, Roberta Kaplan, refuted Sauer’s claims, highlighting that the behavior described by Leeds was criminal even back in 1979 under existing federal law. Kaplan emphasized that the testimonies from these women were essential in establishing a consistent pattern of behavior that aligned with Carroll’s accusations. She remarked on Trump’s tendency to engage in congenial conversations with women, only to abruptly shift to inappropriate advances without warning.

Furthermore, Kaplan criticized Trump for not attending the initial trial nor for bringing forth any witnesses to support his defense. She pointed to an infamous "Access Hollywood" tape in which Trump discussed his tendencies to "grab" women, calling this a form of confession. She stated that Trump stood by his remarks made in this recording during a deposition.

Kaplan’s team has characterized Trump’s appeal as a mere request for a "do-over," filled with what they termed as "drive-by assertions of error and sweeping complaints of unfairness."

Next Steps in the legal Proceedings

The legal teams for both parties were allocated 10 minutes each to present their arguments before a panel of three judges at the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit, all of whom were appointed by former Democratic Presidents Barack Obama and Bill Clinton. As it stands, the panel is not anticipated to announce a ruling before the impending presidential election.

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