Question about Valerie/Joe lawsuit?

[serryjw]

I thought(??) that federal employees can not be sued.they are protected under federal law? Did I make this up? Won't a federal judge through this out for 'national security' reasons?

[flyarm]

1. ahhh remember the supremes said clinton was fair game!! n/t

[David Zephyr]

5. Yep. Renquist & Scalia established the rules that now govern Cheney.

How sweet this is. I have been beside myself wating for a civil suit from the Wilsons wondering why they never proceeded before. I guess the lack of criminal charges against Rove, which they were hoping for, let them move forward now.

[Skink]

2. Yes remember the Clenis.

:evilgrin:

[EST]

3. Such protections are extremely limited and not universal.

[Spazito]

4. Here is some info on that...

II) Prosecution of Vice President and Other Federal Officials
While there are different legal opinions about the President, there is a general consensus that Vice President and other “civil officers” of the United States can be indicted and prosecuted while they are still in office, prior to any impeachment. There are numerous legal cases that have firmly established this rule. For instance, in 1804, Aaron Burr, while Vice President, was indicted for the killing of Alexander Hamilton both in the state of New York and New Jersey. Burr never claimed any immunity from prosecution in the case, and had to serve out his office with the stigma of indictment.

Likewise, Spiro T. Agnew, while Vice President, was investigated by the U.S. Attorney in Baltimore for allegedly receiving payoffs from contractors when Mr. Agnew was governor of Maryland. Before entering a plea bargain to a reduced charge and resignation, Vice President Agnew made a motion to the federal court to enjoin the grand jury proceedings against him on the ground of immunity while in office. In response, then-Solicitor General Robert Bork filed a brief arguing that “considerations based upon the Constitution’s text, history, and rationale which indicate that all civil officers of the United States other than the President are amenable to the federal criminal process either before or after the conclusion of impeachment proceedings.

http://news.lawreader.com/?p=171

[serryjw]

7. Gothmog & Spazito

Thanks for info

[Gothmog]

6. Qualified immunity for official acts

There is a qualified immunity for official and authorized acts in furtherance of his offical duties. In this case, the disclosure of a covert agent for political purposes was not an official act and done solely for political purposes. I expect that you will see the immunity defense raised but it will not be a winner.