A Virginia choose has rejected Amber Heard’s argument that she ought to get a brand new trial after Johnny Depp received a $10 million verdict towards her — swatting down her claims that a juror snafu prejudiced the result of the case.
Fairfax Circuit Courtroom Decide Penney Azcarate on Wednesday tossed the 36-year-old “Aquaman” star’s bid for a brand new trial on a number of grounds, in line with a courtroom submitting.
Heard, 36, had partly argued that Juror 15 in her and Depp’s case was not the particular person who was summoned for jury obligation, tainting her proper to a good trial.
However the choose tossed that declare, writing in her ruling that, “The juror was vetted, sat for the whole jury, deliberated, and reached a verdict.”
Heard, “doesn't allege juror fifteen’s inclusion on the jury prejudiced her in any means,” the choice reads.
“The one proof earlier than this courtroom is that the juror and all jurors adopted their oaths, the courtroom’s directions, and orders,” Azcarate continued. “This courtroom is sure by the competent resolution of the jury.”
Heard’s legal professionals claimed that the juror mix-up might have occurred as a result of there are two folks with the identical final title dwelling on the identical handle however who've totally different ages – 77 and 52.
The elder one was summoned however the youthful one in the end responded to the decision for jury obligation and sat for the trial, the attorneys claimed.
Depp’s legal professionals countered that Heard’s crew may have resolved the difficulty earlier than trial began since either side obtained a “pre-panel jury record” greater than two months prior.
His crew went on to argue that even when the swap occurred, Heard wasn’t negatively impacted as a result of the juror was “vetted by the courtroom and the events counsel.”
The choose sided with Depp’s arguments discovering that the jury panel was questioned “for a full day.”
“There isn't a proof of fraud or wrongdoing,” Azcarate dominated.
It was not instantly clear whether or not Heard plans to attraction the ruling.
Final month, the 59-year-old “Pirates of the Caribbean” actor received $10.35 million in damages in his bombshell defamation case towards Heard – his ex spouse.
Heard received a $2 million verdict on one in every of her defamation claims towards Depp.
Depp’s rep declined to remark. A rep for Heard didn’t instantly return a request for remark.
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