If former President Donald Trump doesn’t want to attend his hearing next week, writer E. A federal judge ruled Thursday that Jean Carroll’s lawyer can’t refer to ‘burdens’ New York could avoid if she was charged with defamation. city.
Trump’s attorney, Joe Tacobina, had asked the judge on Wednesday that if Trump did not show up in Lower Manhattan, it would “avoid a logistical and financial burden on New York City, its residents and the court.” . »
Judge Louis Kaplan, who is presiding over the Carroll v. Trump case, said Thursday it was Trump’s decision whether to attend or testify at the hearing and that Trump had “sufficient time” to make the necessary arrangements.
“Further, the court notes on Mr. Trump’s campaign website and the media that he will be speaking at a campaign event in New Hampshire on April 27, 2023, the third day of the trial scheduled for the case. Kaplan said in his decision. “If the Secret Service can protect him during this event, of course. The Secret Service, the Marshals Service and the City of New York can ensure his protection in this highly secure federal court.
Kaplan said it was premature to say anything about Trump’s presence or absence on the jury.
“If he doesn’t want to appear or testify, his attorney can renew the request,” Kaplan said. ‘Meanwhile, there should be no reference to the alleged burdens Mr. Trump’s attorney may wish to testify before a grand jury or trial jury, or any burdens that may have spared the New York court. . »
In her lawsuit, filed in November, Carroll alleges that Trump called her a liar and defamed her when she denied allegations that he raped her in a department store dressing room in the 1990s. She added the battery charge under a law recently passed in New York that allows adult survivors of sexual abuse to sue their abuser regardless of the statute of limitations.
A judge last week rejected Trump’s attempt to delay the start of the trial, which was scheduled for Tuesday in New York.
Trump has repeatedly denied Carroll’s allegations.
Carroll’s attorney on Wednesday denied Dacopina’s request, writing in a separate letter that “the idea that Mr. Trump will not appear to show New York City any kind of favor – and the jury should be told – tests the credulity of unbelievers. »
The judge had given Trump until the end of Thursday to let the court know whether he would attend the trial, but Dacopina said in a letter to the court Thursday afternoon that Trump would make that decision during the trial. .
“Because the decision of the accused, who is not required to appear as a civil lawyer, will be made during the trial. We are not yet in a position to advise the court on this,” Dagopina said. “However, we will notify the court once a decision is made, particularly in light of logistical issues that need to be resolved in coordination with the Secret Service, the Marshals Service and New York City. »
“Your consideration on this matter is greatly appreciated,” Tacobina said in the letter.
