A federal judge's decision to throw out Paula Jones' lawsuit against President Bill Clinton came as no surprise to University of Oregon law professor Caroline Forell. "Jones' biggest hurdle was that she had to prove meaningful injury as a result of the alleged behavior on the part of President Clinton, and she didn't do that," says Forell. In her research into sexual harassment rulings, Forell found that judges demand meaningful evidence that real injury occurred due to the accused's behavior--injury such as emotional distress or diminished performance in the workplace. "I believe Judge Wright held to that standard and concluded, based on the lack of meaningful evidence in this case, that no jury would find Clinton's behavior outrageous and the cause of severe emotional distress for Jones." SOURCE: Caroline Forell, law professor, UO School of Law, (541) 346-3864; e-mail cforell@law.uoregon.edu -30- #T-4079/DAY