May 28, 1997 esterday's unanimous Supreme Court decision that Paula Jones can move ahead with her sexual harassment lawsuit against President Clinton while he's in office sets a dangerous precedent for the Office of the President, says Garrett Epps, University of Oregon law professor. The high court ruled that the Constitution does not shield a sitting president from having to face lawsuits over acts unrelated to his official duties. "It opens the door for abuses," says Epps. "Our political system is frozen for a variety of reasons and we're moving political disputes into the courts--I therefore wouldn't be at all surprised to see future presidents from both parties served with lawsuits." However, Epps says he doubts the case will go to court while Clinton is still in office. SOURCE: Garrett Epps, assistant professor, UO School of Law, (541) 346-1578; gepps@law.uoregon.edu -30- #T-4092/Day