Trump rape trial: jury begins deliberations in E Jean Carroll lawsuit

For Carroll to win civil claim for sexual battery, jury must reach a unanimous verdict based on ‘a preponderance of the evidence’

The jury in Donald Trump’s rape trial begins deliberations on Tuesday to decide if the former president sexually assaulted the advice columnist E Jean Carroll and then defamed her by denying it.

For Carroll to win her civil claim for sexual battery, the jury of six men and three women must reach a unanimous verdict based on “a preponderance of the evidence”, meaning that she is more likely than not to be telling the truth, a lower standard than for a criminal trial.

Information and support for anyone affected by rape or sexual abuse issues is available from the following organisations. In the US, Rainn offers support on 800-656-4673. In the UK, Rape Crisis offers support on 0808 500 2222. In Australia, support is available at 1800Respect (1800 737 732). Other international helplines can be found at ibiblio.org/rcip/internl.html.