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Donald Trump testified in the slander trial by author E Jean Carroll, but his much-anticipated time on the stand was short.
Introduction
The civil trial involving former President Donald Trump and E. Jean Carroll centers on defamatory remarks made by Trump in 2019 regarding Carroll. While Trump has been found liable for sexually assaulting Carroll in the 1990s, he vehemently denies the allegations.
The trial is marked by stringent restrictions on Trump’s testimony due to the previous verdict on the assault.
Debating Testimony Scope
Judge Lewis Kaplan, overseeing the case, mandated limitations on Trump’s testimony, emphasizing that the facts of the previous trial were established. The primary focus now is determining the extent of compensation Trump owes Carroll.
The courtroom discussions primarily revolved around delineating the topics permissible for Trump, making the scope of his testimony a central point of contention.
Restricted Testimony
In a departure from previous legal battles, Trump faced notable constraints during the defamation trial. The judge explicitly restricted him from going beyond agreed-upon terms, preventing any potential monologues or attempts to use the witness stand for campaigning.
This decision reflects lessons learned from Trump’s earlier civil fraud trial, where his lengthy closing argument deviated from the case’s core issues.
Maintaining Position
During the trial, Trump affirmed his deposition, standing by it unequivocally. When asked about denying Carroll’s accusation, he reiterated his denial, categorizing it as a “totally false” accusation.
However, Judge Kaplan promptly intervened, instructing the jury to disregard Trump’s characterization of the accusation.
Strategic Order from the Bench
Trump’s lawyer then inquired if Trump had ever instructed anyone to harm Carroll. Trump responded by emphasizing his intention to defend himself, his family, and the presidency.
Once again, the judge intervened, directing the removal of the latter part from the official record. This strategic approach underscores the court’s commitment to maintaining a focused and controlled environment throughout the trial.
