Judge threatens Trump's attorney with jail time

Summary

During closing arguments in the defamation damages trial against Donald Trump, Trump arrived late then abruptly walked out when the plaintiffs were delivering their statements. The judge warned Trump's lawyers they were close to being held in contempt. Plaintiff's lawyer Kaplan said Trump didn't respect last year's jury verdict that found his statements defamatory, repeating them the next day. She asked the jury to award over $12 million in damages. Trump's lawyer will still give closing arguments, but Trump has not returned. His exit showed contempt for the process and essentially dared the jury to impose huge punitive damages, given his inflated wealth.

Takeaways

• 😲 Donald Trump walked out of the courtroom abruptly during closing arguments in his defamation trial.
• 😠 The judge warned Trump's lawyers they were close to being held in contempt.
• 🤔 Trump's team was late and tried to use slides not entered into evidence.
• 🗣️ Carol's lawyer said Trump didn't respect the initial jury verdict and repeated defamatory claims.
• 😤 Carol's team asked the jury to award over $12 million in damages.
• 🤨 Trump has not returned to the courtroom since walking out.
• 😡 The judge scolded Trump's campaign lawyer for interrupting.
• 🧐 Legal experts say Trump's actions show contempt for the proceedings.
• 💰 His exit may prompt the jury to impose higher punitive damages.
• 🤔 The jury has the freedom to decide what damages are needed to stop Trump's defamation.

Q & A

Why did Donald Trump arrive to court late?

Donald Trump arrived to court late as the closing arguments in the defamation damages trial against him were beginning.

Why did Trump abruptly leave the courtroom?

Trump abruptly left the courtroom after the judge ruled that a slide Trump's team wanted to use in their presentation could not be included because it contained information not presented as evidence during the trial.

What did the judge warn Trump's defense lawyers about?

The judge warned Trump's defense lawyers that they were close to being held in contempt and thrown in the lockup for challenging his rulings.

What case was this trial related to?

This trial was related to the defamation case that Carol filed against Trump for statements he made about her.

What damages amount is Carol asking the jury to award?

Carol is asking the jury to award over $12 million in damages in this case against Trump.

Why did the judge interrupt Carol's attorney during closing arguments?

The judge interrupted Carol's attorney to note on the record that Trump had abruptly left the courtroom during her closing statement.

Did Trump return to the courtroom later?

No, Trump did not return to the courtroom later, though one of his attorneys did come back in briefly before being told to sit down by the judge.

What point was Carol's attorney trying to make in her closing statement?

Carol's attorney was arguing that Trump is not above the law and should be held responsible for statements that anyone else would be.

What was the judge's instruction about closing arguments?

The judge instructed that no one, including the parties and individuals in the courtroom, should interrupt or disrupt the closing arguments.

How might Trump's actions affect the jury?

Trump's contemptuous actions like abruptly leaving court may lead the jury to impose higher punitive damages.