Scoop: Denver appeals $14M George Floyd protest verdict

State of play: According to a copy obtained by Axios Denver, the city filed an appeal to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit on Dec. 23.

• Denver seeks a reversal and either a judgment for the city, a new trial or a reduction of money awarded to protestors.

Why it matters: Johnston signed off to continue with an appeal, following in the last administration's footsteps, a spokesperson for the current mayor's office tells us.

• Johnston's administration appears interested in reducing the massive monetary sum connected to the precedent-setting case — which his predecessor similarly tried and failed to accomplish.

How it works: A panel of three appellate judges will review the 2022 trial and proceedings to determine whether the verdict can be overturned, attorney Elizabeth Wang, who represents five of the 12 plaintiffs, tells us.

Context: The city alleges the district court made mistakes, including instructing the jury to apply an incorrect legal standard — lessening the plaintiffs' burden of proof — and erroneously admitting evidence that was unfairly prejudicial, per the appeal document.

What they're saying: Local attorney Frederick Yarger, who court documents show represents the city in the appeal, did not return Axios' call or an email on Wednesday seeking comment.

• A spokesperson for the City Attorney's Office declined to comment citing the pending litigation.

What's next: Wang tells us a final decision could take up to a year.

Go deeper: Denver keeps paying out settlements over George Floyd protests