What we learn from this case is that evidentiary rulings at trial are difficult to challenge on appeal. The standard of appellate review is “abuse of discretion,” which is deferential to the trial court. While you can get a new trial based on the district court’s evidentiary rulings, that is more true in theory than in practice. Few parties win a new trial based on an objecti...

These plaintiffs sued Sean "Puffy" Combs, the famous hip-hop artist, claiming various acts of sexual abuse dating to 1991-1997. These claims were facilitated by a recent law in New York that reopened the statutes of limitation for otherwise stale sex abuse claims. But this appeal does not determine whether Combs is liable. Rather, it addresses whether plaintiffs may litigate ...