Trump Ordered to Pay Over $350 Million and Barred From New York Business

Rapidcreek@lemmy.world to politics @lemmy.world – 879 points –
Trump Ordered to Pay Over $350 Million and Barred From New York Business
nytimes.com
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Well, there wouldn't have been prison in any case from this trial, as it was a civil suit, not a criminal one. But, he is facing 91 felony charges in total spread across a few cases that are currently working their way through the court, so maybe. Probably not. But maybe.

Good point. Silly me.

It's still an interesting question. Why was this a civil case rather than criminal?

And there's no great answers. Basically a lot of it comes down to civil being easier to win and a safer bet than criminal proceedings.

https://apnews.com/article/crime-new-york-lawsuits-manhattan-bb0b240218679e38f59b6fe28566272c

Hurting his finances is arguably more effective. Going to jail makes him a martyr to his supporters, and he can appeal a criminal charge until he dies. Taking his money makes him a loser right now.

Also, doesn't a criminal fraud charge requires a victim, meaning a complainant that can show they have lost money as a result of the defendant's actions? I'm sure those people exist, but that's not what this particular trial was about. However, maybe others will come forward now that he has lost this trial.

And here I thought fraud was a criminal matter.