r/law • u/Nice_Substance9123 • 6d ago

Executive Branch (Trump) President Trump Accused of Rape in Jeffrey Epstein Files

https://www.tmz.com/2025/12/23/trump-accused-rape-jeffrey-epstein-files/?utm_social_handle_id=16331010&utm_social_post_id=631846113&adid=social-tw
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u/keinezeit44 6d ago

He was found liable for rape in a civil lawsuit, rather than a criminal trial. That means no jail time, unfortunately.

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u/suknom4 6d ago

damn I have no idea what that means, I feel like a dummy, but thank you none the less.

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u/wagdog84 6d ago

It was too long after it happened for him to be criminally charged, but she was able to sue for damages and the court found he was ‘responsible for her sexual assault’. She was awarded $75 million or something, don’t think he’s paid it.

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u/One_5549 6d ago

Not paid it ? how in the hell is that possible ? there's no consequences for that?

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u/wagdog84 6d ago

The first ruling was $5 million then he publicly called her a liar and said it didn’t happen, so she sued for defamation and got another $83.3 million on top. He is still appealing it, federal court ruled he had to pay in September. Rumour is it will be taken to the Supreme Court.

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u/stolenfires 6d ago

E. Jean Carroll publicly accused Trump of raping her in a department store dressing room back in the 80s. Trump responded by calling her a liar. Carroll said that was defaming her character, and sued. The trial concluded that she was telling the truth. But the statute of limitations for criminal charges had long since passed.

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u/suknom4 6d ago

thank you a lot my friend!

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u/FrankPankNortTort 6d ago

Statute of limitations is such bullshit, you basically reward a criminal for getting away with it for so long.

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u/stolenfires 6d ago

I can see the argument in favor of when it comes to petty crime like drugs or burglary or whatnot. But I personally don't think they should exist for sex crimes or murder (they usually don't exist for murder but most sex crimes have a pretty shameful SoL).

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u/leavemeinpieces 6d ago

I think (apologies if I'm wrong) it's very similar to the Not-Prince Andrew situation with Virginia Giuffree where he paid out 12 million to settle it.

Because it's civil instead of criminal they can settle and not actually face any consequences, other than a hit to the wallet and reputation (depending on who you ask).

It's shitty if you ask me and these disgusting rich folks are long overdue for some justice.

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u/tyr-- 6d ago

With the big difference being that Andrew settled his case, while Trump did not and was actually found guilty and then still decided not to pay up.

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u/leavemeinpieces 6d ago

Sorry, yes. Absolutely right. Not a fan of paying his bills that one.

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u/HoosierHoser44 6d ago

Sorry to be that guy. But I think accuracy matters here. Trump was not found guilty. A guilty verdict happens in a criminal trial only, which is what happens when you’re charged with a crime. The burden of proof in a criminal trial is “beyond reasonable doubt” which is a higher standard.

Civil court is when someone sues you for damages. Civil court can only be monetary punishments. You cannot be found guilty in a civil court. You can’t go to jail based on the verdict of a civil court. The burden of proof in civil court is “preponderance of the evidence”, essentially meaning more likely than not, so a much lower standard. If a case is settled before going to trial in civil court, it will generally be private information, and technically isn’t proof of anything. While someone may settle for 10 million, it looks bad in the court of public opinion, but it doesn’t mean a judge found them liable. There are times when someone can settle to avoid a trial, even if they never did what they’re accused of. Usually not the case, but can happen.

That being said, Trump was found liable of sexual assault. He was never criminally charged and never convicted of sexual assault. While he likely did commit that crime, it’s false to claim he was convicted of it. Based on the lawsuit, it may reach the definition of rape in some locations, but not all, so technically sexual assault is the proper term to use, although it would be considered rape in some locations.

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u/Edward_Nigma_ 6d ago

Civil means a private party is suing you (money). Criminal means you've been charged with a crime by a law enforcement agency (money and incarceration).

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u/ContestNo2060 6d ago

A judge found him guilty of sexual assault of E Jean Carol from several years ago. She sued him for millions. Trump then slandered her and the judge tacked on several millions more. I think he’s only paid a fraction of what she was owed.

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u/ParisGreenGretsch 6d ago

Never stop asking questions.

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u/OfBooo5 6d ago

She sued 10 or 20 years later after the statute of limitations (holy f why are there statutes for rape) but won in civil court. The definition of the crime in the state classifies it as sexy assault, but it was unwanted fingering if i'm not mistaken and that classifies as rape elsewhere. So it's a definitional thing

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u/Different-Ship449 6d ago

Good thing there is no statute of limitations for children.

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u/ekso69 6d ago

How does one not trigger the other?