Clinton Faces Another Legal Setback as Appeals Court Upholds Request for Adviser to Testify Before Grand Jury

Strategic Insights -

Washington -- President Bill Clinton suffered another legal blow yesterday as a federal appeals court ruled that one of his close advisers must testify before the grand jury investigating allegations of criminal misconduct by the President. The decision came as Clinton's lawyers met with special prosecutor Kenneth Starr to discuss the terms of the President's potential testimony before the grand jury. The court's ruling has significant implications for the case, as it could force Clinton's adviser, Bruce Lindsey, to reveal potentially damaging information about the President's conduct.

Key Takeaways:

  • The US Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit upheld a federal judge's order requiring Clinton's adviser, Bruce Lindsey, to testify before the grand jury.
  • The court ruled that lawyer-client privilege does not protect Lindsey's conversations with Clinton from being disclosed, as Lindsey's role was not as a lawyer but as a friend, adviser, or negotiator.
  • The ruling is a significant setback for Clinton, who has consistently denied allegations of an affair with White House intern Monica Lewinsky.
  • Clinton's lawyers are said to be reviewing the decision before deciding whether to appeal.
  • Lewinsky has reportedly met with Starr and his staff, suggesting that negotiations regarding her possible immunity deal are ongoing.
  • Clinton's representatives and Starr's team met to discuss the terms of the President's potential testimony before the grand jury, with Clinton's lawyers seeking concessions on format, venue, and procedure.
  • Starr is said to be flexible on some areas, but is insisting on an unrestricted line of questioning, including asking Clinton about his relationship with Lewinsky.

Statistics:

  • 25 - the age of Monica Lewinsky, the woman at the center of the allegations against Clinton.
  • 2 - the number of victories in recent weeks for special prosecutor Kenneth Starr in the case.
  • 23 - the number of grand jurors determining the course of the inquiry.
  • 4 - the number of times Starr has asked Clinton to testify in recent months.
  • 1 - the number of sitting President who has been subpoenaed to testify before a grand jury, as Clinton is.
  • 2 - the number of members of the House of Representatives who represent Clinton's party, including House minority leader Richard Gephardt, who now expect Clinton to testify.

Sources:

  • "Washington Post", n.d.
  • "New York Times", n.d.
  • "US Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit", n.d.