Clinton Lawyers Seek Contempt Citation as Jones' Attorneys Ask to Introduce Lewinsky Evidence

Strategic Insights -

Two months after the trial judge rejected the use of Monica Lewinsky-related evidence in Paula Jones' lawsuit against President Clinton, Jones' lawyers are asking an appeals court to allow the information into the case. The Jones attorneys argue that Lewinsky's case is another example of Clinton connecting sex with employment, a claim the president has denied. Meanwhile, a former Miss America, Elizabeth Ward Gracen, has come forward with allegations of a consensual affair with Clinton when he was governor of Arkansas.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Jones' lawyers are filing written arguments with the 8th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals to allow the use of Lewinsky-related evidence in the sexual harassment case.
  • Paula Jones' lawyers claim that the trial judge's decision to reject the evidence "elevates White House damage control to constitutional heights, while ignoring the fundamental rights of Mrs. Jones."
  • Elizabeth Ward Gracen, a former Miss America, has come forward with allegations of a consensual affair with Clinton when he was governor of Arkansas.
  • Clinton's lawyers have submitted arguments to the trial judge, seeking a contempt citation against Jones' attorneys for violating a gag order and disclosing the identity of a woman who alleges she was sexually assaulted by Clinton over 20 years ago.
  • The Jones' lawyers have submitted depositions in which witnesses said Clinton offered or provided government jobs to women who went along with his sexual advances and were willing to keep silent about them.

Statistics:

  • 20 years: the amount of time that has passed since the woman allegedly was sexually assaulted by Clinton.
  • 8th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals: the appeals court that Jones' lawyers are filing written arguments with.
  • 1982: the year that Elizabeth Ward Gracen became Miss America.
  • 1983: the year in which Gracen allegedly had her encounter with Clinton.

Sources:

  • Associated Press (no publication date)
  • New York Daily News (no publication date)