The New York appeals court stated today, "The restitution order, requiring the defendant to pay nearly half a million USD to New York state, is excessive and violates the Eighth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution".
The Eighth Amendment prohibits the federal government from imposing excessive bail, excessive fines, and cruel and unusual punishments for crimes.
The decision relates to former President Donald Trump's appeal in a civil lawsuit filed by Attorney General Letitia James in 10/2023. She accused Trump of inflating asset values to "obtain favorable loan and insurance terms, unjustly enrich himself, and defraud the system".
Despite overturning the penalty, the court upheld the underlying ruling against Trump.
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Former President Donald Trump in Alaska, USA on 15/6. Photo: AFP |
Former President Donald Trump in Alaska, USA on 15/6. Photo: AFP
Neither Trump nor James have commented on the decision. If she disagrees with the ruling, James can appeal to the New York State Supreme Court.
New York State Supreme Court Justice Arthur Engoron ruled in 2/2024 that Trump had illegally manipulated asset values and ordered him to pay a $355 million penalty. With interest, the total penalty reached $464 million.
Trump and Trump Organization executives were also barred from holding senior leadership positions in any New York business for several years.
Trump denied the allegations at the time and filed an appeal. His lawyers argued the penalty was excessive and that James had "exceeded her authority".
Nhu Tam (According to Reuters, AFP)
