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Paula Jones case not quite over yetConservative group plans to fight settlementWASHINGTON (AllPolitics, November 16) -- In a highly unusual legal move, an outside party is fighting the out-of-court settlement that would end Paula Jones' sexual harassment lawsuit against President Bill Clinton. Sources at the U.S. Appeals Court, which must approve the deal, told CNN that the court has heard from the conservative group Judicial Watch indicating it will file a request Tuesday opposing dismissal of the case. Judicial Watch officials would not confirm the timing of their legal move but acknowledged they plan to oppose the settlement. One Judicial Watch official said the group opposes the deal because federal regulations forbid government officials from accepting outside sources of income. Judicial Watch alleges Clinton's legal defense fund directly and illegally augments his salary. If the three-judge panel refuses to hear Judicial Watch and dismisses the case, it will technically return to Judge Susan Weber Wright's U.S. District Court in Little Rock, Arkansas. She would then issue any final orders that may be required before the case is dismissed. It is unusual for a court to reject an agreement worked out by the parties. Normally courts grant such requests for dismissal within 24 hours, court officials said. Friday, attorneys for Clinton, Jones and Arkansas State Trooper Danny Ferguson announced they had agreed to an $850,000 payment to Jones within 60 days. Under the terms, she would receive neither an admission of wrongdoing nor an apology from the president. Court officials in Little Rock told CNN that Wright did not see any documents relating to the settlement Monday. |
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MORE STORIES:Monday, November 16, 1998
The last mystery: Monica Lewinsky's voice McDougal criminal contempt trial rescheduled for February Judiciary Democrats plan to play hardball with Starr Justice drops most misconduct allegations against Starr Poll: More Americans disapprove of Congress Poll: Hussein the winner in past year's confrontations Gephardt, Bonior retain Democratic leadership posts Supreme Court declines to hear campaign funding case Lewinsky reportedly signs book and TV deals Audit finds theft by IRS workers Nicholson warns of party 'bloodbath' if he is challenged Gore supporter pleads innocent, Kanchanalak case retooled NYC Mayor Giuliani keeps 2000 bid alive Last survivor of four in JFK limo disagrees with Warren Commission New Congress from many walks of life |