Clinton v. Jones case brief

Clinton v. Jones case brief summary
520 U.S. 681 (1997)

CASE SYNOPSIS

Petitioner sought review of the judgment of the United States Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit affirming the district court's denial of petitioner's motion to dismiss respondent's action and reversing the district court's order postponing the trial until the petitioner leaves office.

CASE FACTS
Respondent, a private citizen, sought to recover damages from petitioner, the President of the U.S., based on actions that allegedly took place before his term began. Petitioner argued that in all but the most exceptional cases, the U.S. Constitution requires federal courts to delay such litigation until the President's term ends.

DISCUSSION

• The court held that the doctrine of separation of powers did not require federal courts to stay all private actions against the President until he leaves office. 
• However, the court held that it was appropriate for the district court to consider potential burdens on the President in evaluating the management of the case. 
• It was an abuse of discretion for the district court to delay the trial until after petitioner leaves office.

CONCLUSION

The court affirmed the judgment of the court of appeals affirming the district court's denial of petitioner's motion to dismiss and reversing the district court's order issuing a stay because respondent had a right to an orderly disposition of her claims.

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