In a significant legal development, a federal judge has upheld the verdict and award in E. Jean Carroll's defamation case against former President Donald Trump. The motion for a new trial filed by Trump was denied by Judge Lewis Kaplan, who deemed his legal arguments without merit.

The judge's written opinion also affirmed the constitutionality of the punitive damages awarded to Carroll by the jury. Carroll's attorney, Roberta Kaplan, expressed satisfaction with the court's decision, stating that it was reasonable for the jury to grant Carroll $83 million in damages. Kaplan further criticized Trump's conduct during the trial, describing his "hatred and disdain" on full display.

The case revolves around Carroll's allegation that Trump raped her in a department store in the mid-1990s, which he then denied. Last year, a separate jury found Trump liable for the sexual assault. This second case relates to Trump's remarks in 2019, where he denied Carroll's allegations. He was subsequently found guilty of defamation, with the jury ordering him to pay a total of $83.3 million in compensatory and punitive damages.

Trump's legal team contended that the damages awarded to Carroll were excessive. However, Judge Kaplan dismissed this argument, emphasizing the widespread impact of Trump's malicious and continuous attacks on Carroll. These attacks, which reached over 100 million people, included public threats and personal attacks that endangered Carroll's well-being.

Notably, the judge stressed that the jury was within their rights to conclude that Trump had severely affected Carroll's career, reputation, and emotional well-being. Throughout the trial, Trump repeatedly maintained his innocence, asserting that he did not sexually assault Carroll and claiming she was not his "type." These denials formed the basis of Carroll's defamation lawsuit.

During the trial, Trump's disruptive behavior drew rebukes from the judge. He was heard making comments during Carroll's testimony and abruptly left the courtroom during the closing arguments delivered by Carroll's lawyers. Judge Kaplan referenced this episode in his opinion, noting Trump's conspicuous exit as evidence of his disapproval.

The ruling not only highlights the substantial monetary damages awarded but also underscores the accountability imposed on Trump by a jury of regular citizens. It is a reminder that, contrary to Trump's claims of mistreatment by politicians and appointees, he is subject to legal scrutiny and consequences.

As Trump faces another courtroom battle on charges of falsifying business records to cover up an affair ahead of the 2016 election, the judgment in the Carroll case carries added significance. The former president awaits a decision from another jury of regular New Yorkers, further determining his fate in the ongoing criminal trial.

The outcome of the defamation case serves as a significant moment in the legal battle between E. Jean Carroll and Donald Trump, further shining a spotlight on the accountability of public figures and the power of the judiciary system.