Linda Tripp's Secret Tapes: A Hot Potato in the Clinton Scandal

Strategic Insights -

Linda Tripp, the prime witness in the Kenneth Starr-led investigation into President Clinton, is facing potential prosecution for secretly taping phone conversations with Monica Lewinsky, the former White House intern at the center of the scandal. Tripp's lawyer claims the state taping probe is revenge engineered by the White House, while prosecutors say they will take their time to review the case. Meanwhile, Lewinsky's lawyer is considering a civil lawsuit against Tripp, alleging she entrapped his client and exposed her to potential criminal prosecution.

Key Takeaways:

  • Linda Tripp is facing potential prosecution for secretly taping phone conversations with Monica Lewinsky, which could be used as evidence in a federal proceeding.
  • Maryland law prohibits the disclosure of taped conversations, and Tripp is alleged to have discussed the contents of her tapes with others, including Lucianne Goldberg.
  • Prosecutors must prove that Tripp knew she was committing an illegal act, an unusual and difficult threshold imposed by an appeals court.
  • The state taping probe is led by Maryland State Prosecutor Stephen Montanarelli, who says he is proceeding cautiously and wants to take his time.
  • Lewinsky's lawyer is considering a civil lawsuit against Tripp for entrapping his client and exposing her to potential criminal prosecution.
  • The Maryland law making it illegal to disclose taped conversations is described as "unusual" and "highly complicated."
  • The legality of the law itself is also at stake, as prosecutors would have to prove that Tripp knowingly committed an illegal act.

Statistics:

  • Up to 5 years in prison and a $10,000 fine is the potential punishment for Tripp if convicted of a felony.
  • The Maryland wiretap law is described as "unusual" and "contrary to the general principle that ignorance of the law is no excuse."
  • Since 1995, two decisions in Maryland's appellate courts have clarified the law: the party making the recording must know it is illegal.
  • There is no statute of limitations in the wiretap law, according to Maryland State Prosecutor Stephen Montanarelli.
  • Starr has gathered sufficient evidence to potentially use the Tripp tapes as part of his investigation.

Sources:

  • Washington _ She is the prime witness in Kenneth W. Starr's sex-and-lies probe of President Clinton. (date unknown)
  • "Good Morning America" program, ABC, (February 11, 1998)
  • PRESSLINK ONLINE (from KRT Photo Service, 202-383-6099)
  • 980127 CLINTON CRISIS: WHO'S WHO, key players in the White House scandal (c) 1998, Knight Ridder/Tribune Information Services.