MOVIE NEWS – A court filing by Johnny Depp’s lawyers claims there is no legal basis to throw out the verdict because of alleged perjury.

 

 

Johnny Depp’s lawyers argue that the verdict in his defamation trial should be upheld even if one of the jurors was found to have given false information, as Amber Heard claimed. Following the ruling, in which the jury sided strongly with Depp, Heard’s lawyers asked for a retrial or a dismissal of the verdict after disclosing information about one of the jurors. The Heard team claims that one juror replaced another, who happened to have the same name, and that this falsehood led them to seek to have the conviction overturned.

The Depp team outlined their position in new documents filed with the court.

Johnny Depp’s motion (which can be read in full on Deadline) insists that the court uphold the jury’s verdict, rejecting Heard’s “baseless contention” that a retrial is necessary. They argue that there is no legal reason for a retrial, as Depp’s lawyers say another juror would not have changed the verdict, noting that Heard’s lawyers have failed to present any evidence to the contrary.

“Following a six-week jury trial, a jury of Ms. Heard’s peers rendered a verdict against her in virtually all respects,” the memo reads in part. “Though understandably displeased with the outcome of trial, Ms. Heard has identified no legitimate basis to set aside in any respect the jury’s decision. Virginia law is clear that a verdict is not to be set aside unless it is ‘plainly wrong or without evidence to support it.'”

The Depp team added: “Here, the verdict was well supported by the overwhelming evidence, consistent with the law, and should not be set aside. Mr. Depp respectfully submits that the Court should deny Ms. Heard’s Post-Trial Motions, which verge into the frivolous.”

According to the Depp team, Amber Heard knew about the jury misconduct.

Johnny Depp’s attorneys also claim that the Heard team only waited until after the trial to provide this information because the verdict was not to their liking. According to the memo, Amber Heard knew about the jury discrepancy and had “more than enough time” to deal with it before the trial since she could have known the jury list as early as April 6.

It remains to be seen what effect this retrial request will have on the verdict in favour of Johnny Depp. If it is rejected, an appeal could still be possible, as Heard’s lawyers have stated that they plan to take that route after the verdict. However, they have also said that Heard does not have the financial means to appeal, so it is not yet clear if and when an appeal will be formally filed.

Source: Deadline