FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE	

SG

THURSDAY, JULY 16, 1998	

(202) 616 2777

TDD (202) 514 1888




JUSTICE DEPARTMENT ASKS THE SUPREME COURT


TO TAKE UP SECRET SERVICE PROTECTIVE FUNCTION CASE


 
	The Justice Department this evening filed a petition for a
writ of certiorari with the United States Supreme Court in the
Secret Service protective function case.  On behalf of the Secret
Service, Solicitor General Seth Waxman asked the Court to review
the judgement of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit,
which denied a petition for rehearing earlier today.

 
	"The Secret Service's success depends critically upon the
ability of its personnel to maintain constant close proximity to
the President," said the brief.  "As the current Director of the
Secret Service has emphasized, tragedy can result when 'as little
as a few feet' separate the President from his protectors."

 
	Though the brief is too long to send by fax, copies can be
obtained Friday from the Office of Public Affairs.

 
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