Appeals Court Won't Rehear Trump Defamation Case

The 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals has decided not to rehear Donald Trump's appeal of the $83 million E. Jean Carroll defamation judgment. This means the judgment stands unless the Supreme Court takes the case.
By Newsroom | Law, United States |

The full bench of the 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals has refused to rehear former President Donald Trump's appeal of the $83 million defamation judgment awarded to E. Jean Carroll. This decision, made on Wednesday, effectively shuts down Trump's attempt to have the entire court reconsider its previous rejection of his appeal. The ruling clears the path for Trump to potentially seek review from the Supreme Court on the matter of presidential immunity.

Previously, a three-judge panel had already dismissed Trump's arguments, including his attempt to substitute the United States as the defendant and claim presidential immunity. The 2nd Circuit stated that these arguments were raised too late. Of the judges considering the rehearing, five voted against it, while three supported taking the case.

Federal appeals court refuses to rehear Trump appeal of $83M E Jean Carroll defamation judgment - 1

The latest decision marks another development in the protracted legal conflict between Carroll and Trump, a dispute spanning six years and encompassing two civil trials. Trump, who has consistently denied wrongdoing and continued to attack Carroll even during and after the trials, is now left with the option of petitioning the U.S. Supreme Court. The Supreme Court has not yet indicated whether it will hear this specific case, but Trump's legal team is expected to pursue this avenue to press his claims of presidential immunity.

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A dissenting opinion from three judges on the appeals court argued for a rehearing, acknowledging the significance of the legal questions involved. These judges, in a 54-page document, suggested that the broader implications warranted a full court review. Lawyers for Trump have not yet commented on the ruling.

Background of the Verdict

The $83 million defamation verdict against Trump stemmed from comments he made denying Carroll's accusations of sexual assault and disparaging her character. Trump's legal strategy has involved asserting presidential immunity, a defense that has met with mixed results in various legal challenges. The appeals court's refusal to rehear the case means the previous judgments stand unless the Supreme Court intervenes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did the appeals court refuse to rehear the E. Jean Carroll defamation case for Donald Trump?
The full bench of the 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals decided not to reconsider its earlier rejection of Trump's appeal. This effectively ends his attempt to have the entire court review the $83 million defamation judgment.
Q: What happens next in the E. Jean Carroll defamation case after the appeals court ruling?
Donald Trump's legal team can now ask the U.S. Supreme Court to hear the case. They want to argue that he has presidential immunity.
Q: How much was Donald Trump ordered to pay E. Jean Carroll?
Donald Trump was ordered to pay E. Jean Carroll $83 million in a defamation judgment. This amount is for comments he made denying her accusations and attacking her character.
Q: Did any judges disagree with the appeals court decision?
Yes, three judges on the appeals court voted to rehear the case. They felt the legal questions involved were important enough for a full court review.