The question if the former US president Bill Clinton had sex with the 22-year-old intern
Monica Lewinsky in the year 1998 is a question with different possible answers.
The president´s answer was “no”. The media´s answer was “yes”. But which answer is the
correct one?
To find out the truth, one problem is found: The problem of definition. The opinions offered
in this paper are the author´s very own opinions and definitions as well as the media´s.
Also, Bill Clinton´s and Monica Lewinksy´s opinions and statements are shown. In the end,
the question raised above is answered.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- The story
- The media's view
- The court's view
- Conclusion
Objectives and Key Themes
This paper aims to analyze the definition of "sexual relations" in the context of the Bill Clinton-Monica Lewinsky scandal, focusing on the differing perspectives of Clinton himself, the media, and the court. It examines the implications of these differing definitions on the scandal and its aftermath.
- The subjectivity of defining "sexual relations" in a legal and social context.
- The impact of media coverage on public perception and the definition of events.
- The role of legal definitions and interpretation in shaping the outcome of high-profile scandals.
- The influence of personal and societal values on the understanding of sexual behavior.
- The consequences of conflicting definitions and interpretations on the reputations and careers of individuals involved in scandals.
Chapter Summaries
- Introduction: This section introduces the central question of whether Bill Clinton had sexual relations with Monica Lewinsky, highlighting the conflicting perspectives of Clinton, the media, and the public. It also states the author's intention to explore the problem of definition in this context.
- The story: This chapter outlines the key events of the scandal, including Lewinsky's relationship with Clinton, the allegations of oral sex, and Clinton's initial denial. It examines Clinton's definition of "sexual relations" and the role of Lewinsky's silence in the initial stages of the scandal.
- The media's view: This chapter explores the media's perspective on the scandal, focusing on their definition of "sexual relations." It examines various sources, including medical dictionaries, to illustrate the media's interpretation of the events and its potential impact on public opinion.
- The court's view: This section examines the court's involvement in the scandal, focusing on the perjury charges against Clinton and the consequences of his actions. It also highlights the court's focus on the legal definition of "sexual relations" and its implications for the case.
Keywords
This paper focuses on the key concepts of "sexual relations," "definition," "media," "court," "perjury," and "scandal." It examines the influence of societal values, legal definitions, and media representation on the understanding and interpretation of controversial events.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the central problem of definition in the Clinton-Lewinsky scandal?
The scandal hinged on the subjective definition of "sexual relations." Bill Clinton's legal defense used a narrow definition to deny the allegations, while the media and the public used a broader social understanding.
How did the media view the term "sexual relations"?
The media generally adopted a broad interpretation, often citing medical dictionaries or common social norms to argue that the President's actions clearly fell within the scope of sexual behavior.
What role does forensic linguistics play in this case?
Forensic linguistics examines how language is used in legal contexts. This case highlights how the manipulation of definitions can be used as a strategy in legal testimony and political discourse.
Why was the court's view different from the public's perception?
The court focused on the specific legal definitions provided during the deposition, leading to charges of perjury when it was determined that the testimony was intentionally misleading, regardless of the semantic nuances.
What are the consequences of conflicting definitions in high-profile scandals?
Conflicting definitions can lead to a breakdown in public trust, as different groups interpret the "truth" based on their own linguistic and moral frameworks, often resulting in long-term damage to reputations.
- Quote paper
- Svenja Strohmeier (Author), 2013, Forensic Linguistics: The Problems of Definitions, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/212356
