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Paula Jones

Key events in Paula Jones' sexual harassment case against President Clinton

1994:

May 6: Jones files a civil suit against Clinton in U.S. District Court in Little Rock, Ark. She seeks $700,000 in damages for ``willful, outrageous and malicious conduct'' at the Excelsior Hotel in Little Rock on May 8, 1991. Her court papers accuse Clinton of ``sexually harassing and assaulting'' her, then defaming her with denials.

Aug. 10: Clinton files a motion to dismiss Jones' suit on grounds of presidential immunity.

Dec. 28: U.S. District Judge Susan Webber Wright rules that a trial cannot take place until Clinton leaves office. But she also rules that fact-finding procedures such as taking sworn statements can proceed.

1995:

Jan. 17: Jones asks the 8th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in St. Louis to reverse the decision postponing a trial.

Feb. 24: Wright delays fact-finding in the case, pending a ruling by the appeals court.

Sept. 14: A three-judge appeals court panel hears Clinton's lawyers argue that allowing Jones' case to proceed while the president is in office would distract him from more important matters. Jones' lawyers argue she should have the same rights as anyone else bringing a lawsuit.

1996:

Jan. 9: The appeals panel rules 2-1 that Jones' lawsuit can go to trial.

May 15: Clinton asks the Supreme Court to delay Jones' case until he leaves office.

June 24: The Supreme Court agrees to consider whether Jones' lawsuit should be delayed until Clinton leaves office. The move puts the lawsuit on hold until after the November election.

1997:

May 27: The Supreme Court rules the lawsuit can move ahead.

June 7: Paula Jones On-line Lavender Ribbon Campaign Began. [I know this isn't a "key event." But hey, it's my page! :-) ]

Aug. 22: Wright sets a May 27, 1998, trial date but dismisses the claim that Clinton defamed Jones.

Sept. 9: A federal judge allows Jones' lawyers to withdraw from the suit but directs that the case stay on course for the May trial date.

Dec. 8: Jones reduces the damages sought in her suit against Clinton to $525,000 and drops defamation claims against Clinton's co-defendant, former bodyguard Danny Ferguson.

1998:

Jan. 17: Clinton questioned by Jones' attorneys in Bennett's law office.

April 1: Judge Susan Webber Wright granted Clinton's motion for summary judgment, and agreed that Jones had failed to produce evidence of harassment or workplace discrimination.

April 16 - Pauala Jones announces that she will appeal Judge Susan Webber Wright's decision.

April 22 - NOW (National Organization for Women) announces that they do not support Jones' appeal.

November 13 - President Bill Clinton agrees to pay Jones $850,000 to drop the case

1999:

April 12 - Judge finds President Clinton in civil contempt for his testimony in Paula Jones case.

July 29 - Clinton ordered to pay more than $90,000 for contempt in Jones case

2000

February 18 - Jones sues Clinton White House