Oh My!

Tuesday, May 27th, 1997 -- Paula Corbin Jones might get her day in court, but not while Bill Clinton is president, despite a Supreme Court ruling announced today which doesn't help him.

The President, in Paris today, was informed early this morning that the United States Supreme Court will not shield him from Paula Jones' sexual harassment suit. The justices ruled unanimously. The President's lawyers had argued, among other things, that the POTUS was just too busy to devote time to defending Jones' civil suit. The argument didn't fly.

If you think this case will go to trial while Mr. Clinton is President, try again. The Supreme Court has not blocked lower court judges ability to block the case from moving forward quickly, and the President has the best lawyers around to make sure it doesn't.

The decision, written by Justice Stevens, allowed that "[a] stay of either the trial or [pre-trial fact-finding] might be justified by considerations that do not require the recognition of any constitutional immunity...The high respect that is owed to the office of the chief executive, though not justifying a rule of categorical immunity, is a matter that should inform the conduct of the entire proceeding… We assume that the testimony of the president… may be taken at the White House at a time that will accommodate his busy schedule, and that, if a trial is held, there would be no necessity for the president to attend in person, though he could elect to do so."

Stevens said the court did not decide whether a judge could compel President Clinton to appear in court at any specific time or place.

Jones says Clinton summoned her to a Little Rock hotel room in 1991, exposed himself to her and asked her to perform a sex act. He was governor of Arkansas at the time and she was a state worker.

Jones' lawsuit says she can identify "distinguishing characteristics" of Clinton's private parts. She sued in 1994 and is seeking $700,000 in damages.

The President's lawyer tried unsuccessfully to negotiate a settlement before Jones sued.

The big issue for President Clinton may be embarrassment. But, polls indicate that voters -- both male and female -- are not upset with the Jones scandal or others that have besieged Mr. Clinton since taking office. Some pollsters argue that the President's reputation as a womanizer actually heightens his favorable scores in surveys taken on the issue.

Despite media hype, the White House can ignore, or pay simple lip service to, the week of stories that will be devoted to Jones and her quest for a big judgment.

Meanwhile, the President can enjoy Paris!

P.S. : For the best summary of the Jones v. Clinton case click on this story...

http://www.courttv.com/library/government/jones/staylor.html

© 1998, 1997, American Politics Journal Publications Inc.