Former New York City mayor and lawyer for Donald J. Trump, Rudolph W. Giuliani, is set to face a trial to determine the amount he will have to pay in damages to Georgia election workers, Ruby Freeman and Shaye Moss, whom he falsely accused of attempting to cheat Trump out of a victory in the 2020 presidential race. The trial, scheduled to take place in Federal District Court in Washington, will commence on Monday with jury selection and is expected to continue throughout the week.

The defamation lawsuit was filed nearly two years ago by Freeman and Moss, who alleged that Giuliani had spread pernicious falsehoods about them in an effort to keep Trump in office. They claimed that he repeatedly and dishonestly asserted that they manipulated ballots while counting them at the State Farm Arena in Atlanta. After months of fighting the case, Giuliani reversed himself this summer and admitted that his attacks against the women were false in an attempt to avoid substantial legal fees.

However, a federal judge subsequently ruled in favor of Freeman and Moss, holding Giuliani liable for defamation, civil conspiracy, and intentional infliction of emotional distress. The upcoming trial will focus on the question of the amount of damages Giuliani should pay, which could exceed $40 million.

The timing of the trial couldn't be worse for Giuliani, who is facing financial ruin and numerous legal challenges. He is being pursued for money, including by his former lawyer, and is currently unable to practice law due to disciplinary actions against him. He also faces disbarment for his efforts to overturn Trump's defeat in the 2020 election. Additionally, he has been indicted in Georgia on charges of tampering with the state's election and is being sued by Dominion Voting Systems for spreading false claims about the company's involvement in election rigging.

The defamation trial holds significant importance as it marks the first time a jury will consider how to punish Giuliani for his role in spreading lies about Trump's loss in the election. It will also serve as a moment where the former mayor and prominent lawyer will be held accountable for attempting to subvert the democratic process.

Central to the trial will be the testimony of Freeman and Moss, who are expected to discuss the threats and abuse they endured after Giuliani's false accusations. Giuliani himself is scheduled to testify in his own defense for approximately an hour, during which he will likely try to minimize the impact of his statements about the women.

Representatives for Giuliani have characterized the trial as an example of the "weaponization of our justice system" and have emphasized his past accomplishments and public service. Meanwhile, Freeman and Moss are seeking compensatory damages ranging from $15.5 million to $43 million, in addition to potential punitive damages and damages for emotional distress.

The trial will be presided over by Judge Beryl A. Howell, who has previously overseen grand jury investigations into Trump's actions and criminal cases related to the January 6th Capitol attack. Judge Howell has shown little tolerance for defendants involved in the pro-Trump riot and has expressed frustration with Giuliani's defense tactics. She has already found him liable for the charges after he failed to fully comply with her orders.

Overall, the trial represents a significant moment in Giuliani's legal battles and the consequences he may face for his role in perpetuating false claims about the 2020 election. It also highlights the impact of his actions on the lives of individuals like Freeman and Moss, who endured threats and racist abuse as a result of Giuliani's false accusations.