PRESIDENT IMPEACHMENT 

1. Context

The White House recently greenlit an impeachment inquiry into President Joe Biden and his family, spurred by Republican allegations of impropriety involving his son, Hunter Biden. Despite previous dismissal by the White House, the inquiry gained traction, supported by former President Donald Trump, who himself faced two impeachments during his tenure.

2. Impeachment Inquiry

• The impeachment inquiry is a formal step to impeach federal officials for treason, bribery, and "other high crimes and misdemeanours," as outlined in the United States Constitution.
• It could lead to penalties for the President if convicted in a Senate trial, potentially resulting in removal from office.
• Republicans cite a US government document suggesting payments to the Bidens from Burisma, a Ukrainian company where Hunter served on the Board of Directors.
• The document alleges, "It cost 5 (million) to pay one Biden, and 5 (million) to another Biden." An associate of Hunter Biden, however, denies knowledge of such payments, and the head of Burisma refutes any contact with Joe Biden during his vice-presidential tenure.
• Hunter Biden, already facing criminal charges in two separate cases, is accused of firearm violations and failure to pay approximately $1.4 million in taxes over three years.

 3. Procedure for Impeachment

The impeachment process in the United States is a formal procedure outlined in the Constitution for removing a president, vice president, federal judge, or other civil officers from office for treason, bribery, or other high crimes and misdemeanours. 

House of Representatives

• The process begins in the House of Representatives, where a member can introduce a resolution of impeachment accusing the official of wrongdoing.
• If the resolution is referred to a committee, typically the House Judiciary Committee, it will investigate the charges and hold hearings to gather evidence.
• After the investigation and hearings are complete, the committee will vote on whether to recommend that the full House impeach the official.
• If the committee recommends impeachment, the full House will vote on the resolution. A simple majority vote is required to impeach the official.

Senate

• If the House impeaches the official, the trial is then held in the Senate. The Chief Justice of the Supreme Court presides over the trial, and senators serve as jurors.
• Both the House managers, who represent the prosecution, and the official's defence team present their cases to the Senate.
•  After both sides have presented their cases, the Senate votes on whether to convict the official. A two-thirds majority vote is required to convict and remove the official from office.

Removal from office: If the official is convicted by the Senate, they are immediately removed from office. The Senate can also vote to disqualify the official from holding future federal office.

The United States has a long history of impeachment, dating back to the early days of the Republic. While not a frequent occurrence, the process has been used to hold officials accountable for misconduct and remains a significant constitutional safeguard. 

Presidents

• Andrew Johnson (1868) was Impeached for violating the Tenure of Office Act by removing Secretary of War Edwin Stanton. Acquitted by the Senate.
• Bill Clinton (1998) was Impeached for perjury and obstruction of justice related to a sexual harassment lawsuit. Acquitted by the Senate.
• Donald Trump (2019, 2021) Impeached once for abuse of power and obstruction of Congress related to Ukraine pressure campaign. Acquitted by the Senate. Impeached again for inciting an insurrection at the Capitol. Acquitted by the Senate.

Other Officials

• Samuel Chase (1804) Supreme Court Justice impeached for alleged misconduct in office, but acquitted by the Senate.
• William W. Belknap (1876) Secretary of War impeached for corruption, but resigned before the Senate trial began.
• Richard Nixon (1974) Faced impeachment proceedings for Watergate cover-up but resigned before the House vote.