Jones Suit Failed to Set Harassment Precedent

Posted 11:00 a.m. Apr 1, 1998 — Updated 11:00 a.m. Apr 1, 1998

FAYETTEVILLE — The Paula Jones case has set a precedent in terms of suing a sitting president, but it could have a very limited impact otherwise. In recent years, three very public figures have been accused of sexual harrassment, and the charges failed to stick in any of those cases.

Supreme Court Justice Dr. Clarence Thomas, Sgt. Major McKinney and then Governor, Bill Clinton were all charged, but allegations never became more than just that. Experts, however, say that fact has not discouraged women from making harassment claims. Dr. Blanche Radford Curry is a professor at Fayetteville State University and an advocate of women's issues. She says more women are coming forward.

Attorney Jim Nance has represented two women who came forward. He won both cases in court. The Paula Jones case never got that far, and Nance says he believes Judge Susan Webber Wright's opinion won't even help to define harassment in the future. offended doesn't constitute legal harrassment.

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