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The President of the United States, Donald Trump, achieved a significant legal victory on Thursday after a New York appellate court overturned the civil fine exceeding 500 million dollars in the business fraud case brought by Attorney General Letitia James.
The Appellate Division, First Department, ruled that the financial penalty, which had reached 515 million dollars with interest, was "excessive" and violated the Eighth Amendment of the United States Constitution.
“While the court order issued to halt the corporate culture of the defendants is well designed, the payment order of nearly half a billion dollars to the State of New York constitutes an excessive fine,” stated Judges Dianne T. Renwick and Peter H. Moulton in the main opinion of the 323-page ruling cited by The New York Post.
However, the court upheld other restrictions, such as the ban on Trump and his two eldest sons, Donald Trump Jr. and Eric Trump, from running businesses in the state of New York for several years.
Additionally, the appointment of an external supervisor was confirmed, who will oversee and report on the operations of the Trump Organization for a period of three years.
The ruling does not close the case, as a significant portion of the lawsuit filed by Prosecutor James remains active and will now be reviewed by the New York Court of Appeals, the highest judicial body in the state.
The president Trump, who had posted a bond of 175 million dollars instead of paying the full amount while the appeal was being resolved, described the decision as a vindication of his claims of "witch hunts" and "electoral interference."
Donald Trump Jr. reacted on social media, celebrating the decision as a "great victory" and reiterated that the case against his father was "a complete injustice."
Frequently Asked Questions about the Cancellation of the Fine against Donald Trump for Civil Fraud
Why was the $500 million fine against Donald Trump annulled?
The fine was dismissed because the New York appellate court deemed it "excessive" and a violation of the Eighth Amendment of the United States Constitution. The judges determined that the financial penalty imposed for the corporate fraud case was disproportionate.
What restrictions are still in place for Donald Trump after the court ruling?
The court upheld the ban on Trump and his two eldest sons from running businesses in New York for several years. Additionally, the appointment of an external supervisor to oversee the operations of the Trump Organization for three years was confirmed.
What does it mean for the business fraud case that the court has overturned the fine?
The cancellation of the fine does not close the business fraud case against Trump. Much of the lawsuit remains active and can be reviewed by the New York Court of Appeals, the highest judicial authority in the state.
How has Donald Trump reacted to the cancellation of the fine?
Donald Trump described the decision as a vindication of his claims of "witch hunt" and "electoral interference". His son, Donald Trump Jr., also celebrated the decision on social media, calling it a "great victory".
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