By Terry Frieden/CNN

WASHINGTON (December 2) -- A federal appeals court Wednesday formally dismissed the sexual harassment suit filed by Paula Jones against President Bill Clinton, bringing to an end the celebrated and controversial civil case after five years.

In the three-paragraph court order, a three-judge panel of the Eighth Circuit Court said the case is "dismissed subject to terms of the out-of-court agreement."

That settlement called for Jones to receive $850,000 in exchange for dropping her case. When the settlement was reached and the court was asked to drop the case on November 13, the three-judge panel was weighing whether to reinstate the case.

The lawsuit had been summarily dismissed last April 1 by U.S. District Court Judge Susan Webber Wright in Little Rock.

The dismissal was widely expected, but an unusual three-week delay in announcing the stamp of approval had puzzled court officials.

A possible reason for the court's delay, according to one court official, was a brief filed by the conservative watchdog group Judicial Watch opposing the settlement. But the appeals court rejected the organization's motion to have their complaint considered. Judicial Watch complained federal law requires Clinton to pay the $850,000 from his own funds rather than from a defense fund.

Wednesday, December 2, 1998

• Clinton lawyers will present defense to Judiciary Committee
• Espy innocent of all charges
• Court formally dismisses Paula Jones sexual harassment suit
• Democrats' National Chair Steve Grossman resigns
• Ex-Sen. Bradley may make presidential run
• Gore questions 'compassionate conservatism'
• Legislate five days a week? Some lawmakers cry foul
• Clinton mulls arms-reduction plans
• White House, environs could get $300 million face lift
• Black voting rumor surfaces on Web
• Selective Service starts online registration
• National museum tries to save Star-Spangled Banner
• Clinton raises $1.1 million at two fund-raisers
• Government: Compensating Nixon would be 'national embarrassment'

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