What is impeachment? This question worries many people who hear this word on TV or meet in the press. In this article, we will explain what is meant by the term "impeachment" and in respect of whom it can be used.
Origin of the term impeachment
Impeachment is a procedure for prosecution, including criminal, of persons of municipal or state execution, including the head of state, with possible subsequent removal from office.
An impeachment charge will usually convict a person of willful wrongdoing.
The word "impeachment" comes from the Latin - "impedivi", which literally means "suppressed". Over time, the concept appeared in the English language. An interesting fact is that this term began to be used in Great Britain back in the 14th century.
After that, the impeachment procedure initially passed into the legislation of the United States, and later in other countries. As of today, it operates in most states, including the Russian Federation.
Now the concept is used in 2 meanings.
Impeachment as a process
On the legislative side, impeachment is a legal procedure aimed at holding senior officials accountable for serious wrongdoing.
It can be initiated against the president, ministers, governors, judges and other civil servants of the executive branch of government.
The final verdict is made by the upper house or the highest court in the state. In the event that an official is found guilty, he is removed from his post.
It is curious that over the past decades, as a result of impeachment, heads of 4 countries have been removed from their posts:
- Brazilian presidents: Fernando Color (1992) and Dilma Rousseff (2006);
- President of Lithuania Rolandas Paksas (2004);
- Indonesian President Abdurrahman Wahid (2000).
How is the impeachment of the president in the United States going?
In the United States, the impeachment procedure consists of 3 stages:
- Initiation. Only representatives of the lower house of Congress, the highest legislative body of the state, have such a right. Serious reasons and more than half of the votes are needed to initiate charges. Impeachment can be declared to a president or a federal employee in the event of high treason, bribery, or serious offenses.
- Investigation. The case is being investigated by the relevant legal committee. In the event that the overwhelming majority of representatives vote in favor, the case is sent to the Senate.
- Consideration of the case in the Senate. In this case, the impeachment of the head of state is a trial. Members of the lower house serve as prosecutors and members of the Senate as jurors.
If 2/3 of the senators vote to impeach the president, he will be obliged to leave office.
Conclusion
So, impeachment is an investigation process during which the guilt of high-ranking civil servants is confirmed or denied.
In case of proof of illegal actions, the official is deprived of his position, and may also be brought to criminal responsibility.
An impeachment procedure is similar to a trial, where members of parliament act as judges.
