Rudy Giuliani faces potential massive financial consequences in the defamation trial. Clarissa Ward reports from a Gaza field hospital. Putin's press conference includes a deepfake of himself talking about Ukraine. Also, discussion on Senator Ron Johnson's claim about fake electors.
The defamation trial against Rudy Giuliani could result in severe financial consequences for him, potentially amounting to a civil death penalty.
The Giuliani defamation trial highlights the dangers of spreading baseless conspiracies and the impact they have on innocent individuals, raising questions about Giuliani's liability and the potential financial consequences of his defamation.
Deep dives
Rudy Giuliani's Defamation Trial
The defamation trial against Rudy Giuliani is nearing a verdict. Giuliani's own lawyer has stated that the outcome could be a severe blow, equivalent to a civil death penalty. The jury will determine the amount of compensation Giuliani owes two former Georgia election workers for defaming them with false claims of election fraud. Giuliani did not testify, choosing instead to read news stories on his laptop during closing arguments. The former election workers are seeking reputational damages of at least $24 million each.
Implications of Rudy Giuliani's Trial
The defamation trial against Rudy Giuliani highlights the dangers of spreading baseless conspiracies and the impact they can have on innocent individuals. The two former Georgia election workers, Ruby Freeman and Shay Moss, who were falsely accused of election fraud, endured threats and harassment, as evidenced by disturbing voicemails played in court. Giuliani's lawyer has requested mercy from the jury, emphasizing Giuliani's previous reputation as a former mayor and federal prosecutor. The trial raises questions about the extent of Giuliani's liability and the potential financial consequences of his defamation.
Potential Verdict in Giuliani's Trial
The jury tasked with determining the outcome of the defamation trial against Rudy Giuliani may deliver a substantial verdict in favor of the two former Georgia election workers, Ruby Freeman and Shay Moss. While the exact damages requested are $24 million each, it remains uncertain how much Giuliani will be ordered to pay. Given the egregious nature of the defamation and the emotional distress caused to Freeman and Moss, punitive damages may also be imposed to send a strong message and deter similar defamatory actions in the future. Giuliani's financial situation, which includes multiple civil lawsuits and mounting legal expenses, could impact his ability to fulfill any awarded damages.
Assessment of Giuliani's Defense Strategy
Giuliani's defense strategy, characterized by his refusal to testify and his lawyer's plea for mercy, has been met with criticism. Legal experts argue that his defense team's admission of liability and subsequent continuation of defamatory behavior during the trial have weakened his position. The strategy of relying on Giuliani's reputation as a former federal prosecutor and New York City mayor may backfire, as it also reminds the jury that he should have known better than to engage in defamation. The overall performance of Giuliani's defense raises doubts about its effectiveness and the potential impact on the final verdict.
The $48 million question is about to be answered for Rudy Giuliani, with a jury set to resume deliberations on the damages he will pay for smearing two Georgia election workers. His lawyer says it could be “the civil equivalent of the death penalty”. Plus, a rare look inside a Gaza field hospital, as CNN’s Clarissa Ward reports from the front lines of the humanitarian catastrophe. And, Vladimir Putin takes questions in his first extended news conference since invading Ukraine, appearing to celebrate the US feud over Ukraine aid, and using a deepfake Putin to ask himself about his rumored body doubles. Also, Republican Sen. Ron Johnson’s “Examples” of fake Democrat electors falls flat.