3/14/2019

COURTS/LAWSUIT/TRUMP AS PRESIDENT/WOMEN: “A New York state appeals court rejected U.S. President Donald Trump’s effort to dismiss a defamation lawsuit by Summer Zervos, a former contestant on his television show ‘The Apprentice,’ or delay it until after he leaves the White House. In a 3-2 decision on Thursday [3-14-19], the Appellate Division in Manhattan said the U.S. Constitution did not strip state courts of power to decide cases arising under state constitutions, even if they involved sitting presidents. Despite suggesting he embodies the executive branch and has significant responsibilities, ‘the President is still a person, and he is not above the law,’ Justice Dianne Renwick wrote. The dissenting judges said the lawsuit would interfere with Trump’s job as president, and should wait until he left office.”

-Reuters, “Trump Fails to End ‘Apprentice’ Contestant’s Defamation Lawsuit,” The New York Times online, March 14, 2019