Trump Loses Supreme Court Appeal in E. Jean Carroll’s Sexual Abuse Case; $5 million verdict valid | Today’s news
The U.S. Supreme Court declined to hear President Donald Trump’s appeal to overturn a jury verdict that found he sexually abused and later defamed author E. Jean Carroll, leaving a $5 million judgment against him intact.
The court issued a brief order on Monday (June 29) declining to hear the case without explaining its decision, a common practice in cases it chooses not to review.
Here is the meaning of the judgment.
How did the Supreme Court decide?
The Supreme Court declined to hear Trump’s appeal challenging a 2023 civil verdict in favor of E. Jean Carroll.
The ruling means that the lower court’s judgment stands, including the jury’s finding that:
-Trump sexually abused Carroll in the mid-1990s.
-Trump smeared Carroll by denying her allegations in 2022.
-Carroll is entitled to $5 million in damages.
Why did Trump appeal?
Trump argued that the trial was unfair because the judge allowed the testimony of two other women who accused him of sexual misconduct decades ago.
His lawyers argued that:
-The testimony was “very inflammatory.”
-Judge improperly admitted evidence under federal rules.
-The decision unfairly influenced the jury.
Trump he denied the allegations against Carroll and two other women.
His attorney, Justin D. Smith, argued in court filings, “This mistreatment of the president cannot be tolerated.”
What was Carroll’s response?
Carroll’s legal team urged the Supreme Court not to hear the appeal.
-The testimony of the other women was legally relevant because the charges were similar.
– The judge acted in accordance with established legal precedent.
-The appeal raised no significant legal issue warranting review by the Supreme Court.
Attorney Roberta Kaplan wrote, “This question does not merit review.”
What was the original case about?
During a 2023 civil trial, Carroll testified that Trump sexually assaulted her in the spring of 1996 in a dressing room at the luxury department store Bergdorf Goodman in Manhattan after what began as a friendly encounter.
-Trump sexually abused Carroll.
-Carroll failed to prove rape under New York law.
-Trump later defamed her with public statements denying the incident.
Trump has consistently denied Carroll’s allegations.
What about the $83.3 million verdict?
The Supreme Court ruling applies only to the $5 million judgment.
Separately, another jury awarded Carroll $83.3 million in a second defamation case after finding that Trump continued to defame her while she was president and afterward.
Trump is appealing that ruling through lower courts, but the case has yet to reach the Supreme Court.
