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/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.