Can a president's former business partner, as alleged by a House of Representatives committee, successfully sue a current president for fraud and have the courts decide if their business dealings are separate from their presidential duties?

A sitting president can be sued for acts committed before taking office, including business-related activities.

The ability of a former business partner to sue a president for fraud depends on the specifics of their agreement and applicable laws.

Courts generally respect the separation of powers, which could limit the extent to which they intervene in presidential duties.

The New York judge's ruling against Trump is related to a civil lawsuit, not a criminal case, and hence does not result in criminal penalties.

The New York Attorney General's lawsuit alleges that the Trump Organization engaged in a decade-long fraud scheme involving inflated asset valuations.

The lawsuit seeks $250 million in damages, and, if successful, could result in the Trumps being banned from running businesses in New York State.

The New York Supreme Court's ruling allows the lawsuit to proceed, paving the way for the Trumps and the Trump Organization to face trial on charges of fraud and other financial misconduct.

The judge's ruling has resulted in the removal of some of Trump's companies from his control and their dissolution.

Trump Organization has denied any wrongdoing, labeling the lawsuit "baseless" and a "witch hunt."

The lawsuit further alleges that the Trumps and the Trump Organization falsely inflated the value of assets, such as golf courses and skyscrapers, to secure favorable loan terms and mislead investors.

The fraudulent behavior, as per the lawsuit, included lying about the size of Trump's Manhattan apartment, which was claimed to be nearly three times its actual size.

New York Attorney General Letitia James has been investigating the Trump Organization's financial dealings for several years.

The judge rebuked Trump for lying about his Manhattan apartment's size, valuing it at $327 million, whereas it was less than a third of that value.

The Trump Organization's alleged fraudulent activities, as per the lawsuit, were committed while building the real estate empire that propelled Trump to fame and the White House.

Judge Arthur Engoron, the New York Supreme Court Judge, delivered the ruling, finding that the former president and his company deceived banks, insurers, and others.

The lawsuit encompasses various types of financial misconduct, including falsifying financial statements and making false representations to financial institutions.

The New York Attorney General's office achieved a significant victory with the judge's ruling, which could have far-reaching consequences for the Trumps and the Trump Organization.

Fraudulently inflating asset values can constitute bank fraud, as it involves making false statements to financial institutions to secure loans and other financial benefits.

The legal process for such cases typically involves several stages, including pleadings, discovery, and potentially a trial, followed by appeals.

Penalties for fraud can include fines, restitution, and potential criminal consequences, including imprisonment, depending on the specifics of the case and jurisdiction.