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It was clear thatAmber Heardwould appeal the verdict the momentJohnny Deppwon his defamation case against her.

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And then there was the matter of setting a precedent.

Heards decision to fight the verdict is also rooted in the principle of their legal dispute.

Depp claimed that he lost millions in movie earnings because of her allegations.

For Heard, an appeal reflects her insistence that her allegations of abuse are true.

An appeal also provides an opportunity for Heards case to be argued more thoroughly on First Amendment grounds.

Why is Heard bringing up the First Amendment now?

Lets back up a minute.

Its not that the First Amendmentnevercame up at trial.

And the answer is very clearly yes.

Rather, we heard infinitesimally more about cocaine Johnny and Deppssevered finger.

(So much about the severed finger!)

You have to be a really good writer.

Does this mean Heards case will actually be about the First Amendment and not just Depp?

Heards new attorneys could help foster this shift in the narrative around the case.

Could Heard actually win her appeal?

Several attorneys told Vulture that they didnt think Heard had a good chance of winning her appeal.

It makes sense that she is using legal experts on First Amendment rights as her last resort.

The timing isnt great for Heard, though.

Still, its worth a shot.

Like Davis, Los Angelesbased attorney Mitra Ahouraian didnt think Heards prospects were good.

The general consensus within the legal community is that Amber Heard will not win an appeal.

If Heard loses her appeal, does that harm First Amendment rights more broadly?

The results of this trial and, now, appeal concern both the practical and legal realms.

Goldberg, PLLC, told Vulture in an email.

She didnt see this as a death knell for free speech, however.

Oh, and hes directing his first movie.

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