The Law of Presidential Impeachment: A Guide for the Engaged Citizen

The Law of Presidential Impeachment provides a comprehensive, nonpartisan, and up-to-date explanation of the Constitutions various mechanisms for holding presidents accountable for their misdeeds. It is based on a lifetime of scholarly research and unique experience as a witness and consultant in the impeachment trials of Bill Clinton and Donald Trump.

Format: Hardback
Length: 216 pages
Publication date: 18 December 2023
Publisher: New York University Press

The impeachment process has a long and complex history in the United States, dating back to the nation's founding. It was first established in the Constitution as a means of holding presidents accountable for their actions. However, the process has been controversial and has been used sparingly throughout American history.

One of the most well-known impeachments in American history occurred in 1974, when President Richard Nixon was impeached for his involvement in the Watergate scandal. Nixon was eventually forced to resign from office, making him the only president to do so.

More recently, in 2019, President Donald Trump was impeached by the House of Representatives for abuse of power and obstruction of Congress. The impeachment proceedings were led by Democrats, who argued that Trump had engaged in a series of actions to undermine the integrity of the democratic process. However, the Senate ultimately acquitted Trump, with Republicans voting against him.

The Law of Presidential Impeachment is a comprehensive and up-to-date book that provides a detailed explanation of the impeachment process in the United States. Written by Michael J. Gerhardt, a leading expert in constitutional law, the book breaks down both the legal and political aspects of impeachment.

Gerhardt begins by examining the history of impeachment in the United States, including the various impeachments that have occurred over the past two centuries. He then discusses the legal framework for impeachment, including the constitutional provisions that govern the process.

The book also explores the political considerations that go into an impeachment investigation and trial. Gerhardt argues that impeachment should not be used as a political tool to undermine a president's legitimacy, but rather as a means of holding presidents accountable for their actions. He also discusses the role of the Senate in an impeachment trial and the factors that can influence its outcome.

Throughout the book, Gerhardt offers new perspectives on the impeachment process, arguing that it cannot be properly understood in a vacuum but must be viewed in the context of other mechanisms for holding presidents accountable, such as criminal prosecutions, censure, and elections.

The Law of Presidential Impeachment is an invaluable guide for anyone interested in understanding the impeachment process in the United States. It is written in a clear and accessible style, making it accessible to a wide range of readers, including students, scholars, and the general public.

In conclusion, the impeachment process has a long and complex history in the United States, dating back to the nation's founding. While it has been used sparingly throughout history, it remains an important mechanism for holding presidents accountable for their actions. The Law of Presidential Impeachment provides a comprehensive and up-to-date explanation of the impeachment process, breaking down both the legal and political aspects of the process. Written by a leading expert in constitutional law, the book offers new perspectives on the impeachment process and is an invaluable guide for anyone interested in understanding this core aspect of American government.

Weight: 363g
Dimension: 203 x 127 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781479824694