Donald Trump and E. Jean Carroll

 

The legal findings regarding Donald Trump and E. Jean Carroll indicate that a jury found him liable for sexual abuse, but they did not classify it as "rape" under New York law. The jury awarded Carroll $5 million for the harm caused by Trump's actions. While the judge clarified that the jury's verdict implied they believed Trump engaged in sexual abuse, they were not convinced that he penetrated Carroll with his penis, which is the legal definition of rape in New York.

• Jury Findings:

  • The jury found Trump liable for sexual abuse but not for rape.
  • They awarded Carroll $5 million for the sexual abuse and defamation claims.

• Legal Definitions:

  • Under New York law, rape is defined specifically as vaginal penetration by a penis.
  • The jury's decision indicates they believed some form of sexual abuse occurred, but not to the extent of meeting the legal definition of rape.

• Implications:

  • The distinction between sexual abuse and rape is crucial in understanding the jury's verdict.
  • The case highlights the complexities of legal definitions and the challenges survivors face in seeking justice.

In summary, while the jury found Trump liable for sexual abuse, they did not find sufficient evidence to classify the act as rape according to the legal standards in New York.