Trump’s Appeal Denied: E. Jean Carroll Case Heads Toward Final Resolution

On Friday, former President Donald Trump faced a setback in his attempt to overturn a civil jury ruling that found him liable for sexually abusing writer E. Jean Carroll in the 1990s. The jury also held him responsible for defamation when Carroll made her allegations public.

The 2nd Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals in New York declined Trump’s request for a full bench hearing to revisit this decision. This ruling followed a previous verdict where Trump was ordered to pay Carroll $5 million for damages.

Interestingly, two judges on the panel—both appointed by Trump—dissented from this decision, indicating division even among his appointees. Trump still has the option to appeal to the Supreme Court, though the court isn’t obligated to take up the case. A representative from Trump’s legal team stated they would pursue this, labeling Carroll’s allegations as a "Democrat-funded hoax."

Carroll’s attorney, Roberta Kaplan, expressed satisfaction with the ruling, emphasizing that Trump’s attempts to contest the jury findings have not succeeded.

Both cases stem from Carroll’s claims that Trump defamed her after she accused him of sexual assault in a department store dressing room. In a related case, Carroll won an additional $83.3 million in damages for defamation in January 2024, following Trump’s comments about her in 2019.

Trump’s legal team recently sought to delay a different set of oral arguments, hoping to replace him as the defendant due to his presidential status. However, this request was denied.

The latest ruling also stirred debate over the handling of evidence during the trial. Judge Steven Menashi, one of the dissenting judges, criticized the majority for allowing questionable witness testimony and excluding critical evidence that could have changed the judgment.

Historically, cases involving allegations of sexual misconduct have drawn considerable public attention and scrutiny. A recent survey found that 60% of respondents believe allegations should be taken seriously, regardless of the accused’s status. This reflects a growing awareness and sensitivity to issues of accountability and justice in similar cases.

As we observe these legal proceedings, it’s essential to remember that the outcomes can influence public perception around issues of power, accountability, and the treatment of survivors in our society.

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