Judges set to hear arguments in Donald Trump’s appeal of civil fraud verdict

NEW YORK (AP) — As Donald Trump hits the homestretch of his White House run, the former president’s lawyers are heading to a New York appeals court in a bid to overturn a civil fraud judgment that could cost him nearly $500 million.

The Republican presidential nominee has given no indication that he plans to attend Thursday’s arguments before a five-judge panel in the state’s mid-level appellate court in Manhattan. The hearing is scheduled to start at noon and is expected to be streamed online.

Trump is asking the court to reverse Judge Arthur Engoron’s ruling in February that he lied about his wealth on paperwork given to banks, insurers and others to make deals and secure loans. The verdict cut to the core of Trump’s wealthy, businessman persona.

Trump has decried the outcome in New York Attorney General Letitia James’ lawsuit against him as “election interference” and accused Engoron of punishing him for “having built a perfect company.” His lawyers contend the verdict was “grossly unjust” and should be reversed.

They contend some allegations should have been barred by the statute of limitations and that the state shouldn’t be policing private business transactions. They have also complained about Engoron’s handling of the case, accusing the judge of “tangible and overwhelming” bias and exceeding his authority.

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