Why The Law Forbids Hillary Taking Her New Job

Why The Law Forbids Hillary From Taking Her New Job

LawFuel - The Law Jobs and News Wire Two US legal academics say Hillary Clinton is unable to take the position as Secretary of State because of emoluments clauses. The clause bars senators from taking any U.S. civil office during their terms if it was created or its “emoluments” were increased during that time.

President Bush issued an executive order earlier this year that increased the Secretary of State's salary.

University of St. Thomas law professor Michael Stokes Paulsen wrote on the blog that the language of the clause would appear to bar Clinton’s appointment “if the Constitution is taken seriously".

And law review author on the subject, John O’Connor, said they don’t think the problem can be fixed by a subsequent salary cut. Despite their views, Lloyd Bentsen served as treasury secretary and William Saxbe served as attorney general under a pay cut that became known as the Saxbe fix.

O’Connor says he doubts that a court would confer standing on anyone challenging Clinton, “so this is probably all just an academic exercise.” And Paulsen notes one possible “out-there argument”: The clause applies to any senator or representative "during the time for which he was elected." Perhaps female senators are exempt from the clause, he writes.

ENDS

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