impeach

Impeach is a formal process by which a public official is charged with misconduct or wrongdoing. In many jurisdictions, impeachment is a political mechanism that can lead to removal from office or other disqualifications, rather than a criminal conviction. The term derives from Middle French empecher, and in English has come to mean charging an official with serious misdeeds.

Impeachment typically concerns high-level officials, such as presidents, prime ministers, judges, or other civil officers. It is distinct from ordinary criminal prosecution; an impeachment statement or trial does not by itself determine guilt or impose criminal penalties. If an official is removed from office, they may still face separate criminal charges in a court of law, depending on the jurisdiction.

In the United States, the impeachment process involves two stages. The House of Representatives has the sole power to impeach by a simple majority vote on articles of impeachment. The Senate then conducts a trial to determine guilt; a two-thirds vote is required to convict. If convicted, the official is removed from office and may be disqualified from holding future office. The President, if tried, is presided over by the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court; for other officials, the presiding officer can differ. Impeachment can occur without the official being removed, and it does not automatically entail criminal penalties.

Notable examples in U.S. history include Andrew Johnson, Bill Clinton, and Donald Trump (impeached twice); Richard Nixon resigned before he could be impeached by the House. Other countries have similar provisions, often described as impeachment or removal by the legislature or a constitutional court.