Clinton v. Jones
United States Supreme Court
520 U.S. 681 (1997)
Relevant factsFree
Paula Jones (plaintiff) sued President Bill Clinton (defendant) for conduct she alleged occurred before he became President, plus later defamation while he was in office, none of which involved his official presidential duties. The district court held Clinton wasn't immune from suit for pre-presidential conduct but stayed the proceedings until after his term ended; Jones appealed the stay, the court of appeals reversed it, and the Supreme Court took the case.
IssueFree
Whether the United States Constitution permits the President of the United States to be sued while in office for actions occurring prior to assuming office.