Impeachment of the President

[Emsworth]

As Chief Justice, I am required by law to preside over the Senate while it considers articles of impeachment. Senator Jerusalemcar5 made the following statement:

Under Article 1, Section 2, Clause 1 of the Second Constitution of Atlasia I hereby call for impeachment proceedings to begin against President Ebowed for comitting several acts of murder, most notably Southeast Governor Harry. 

Further articles of impeachment may be presented by Senators at this time.

[Emsworth]

Before I accept the withdrawal of the article of impeachment, I have to ask Senator EarlAW to clarify whether this post was a call for impeachment proceedings.

Also, I would request Senator Captain Vlad to clarify whether this post was a request to start impeachment proceedings, or merely a suggestion that was put up for discussion.

[Emsworth]

While this may be a deeply unpopular move, I feel I must ask that impeachment proceedings be brought.

Whilest I feel that up until a few days ago, Ebowed was a President of the highest order who I was greatly pleased to see re-elected, I do not share my colleagues predilictions in favour of simply forgetting the recent incidents - an attitude I find quite disturbing.

The actions of recent days, I feel, represent, a gross violation and abdication of responsibilities which demand reproachment. Without this, we are sending a message that the recent actions were acceptable. To me, they were not.

As I say, I do not make this statement and call for impeachment proceedings lightly, but I feel it is the principled thing to do.

In that case, I would request Senator Jas, as well as any other Senators who wish for impeachment, to present formal articles of impeachment that outline the high crimes and misdemeanors allegedly committed by the President.

Each separate alleged offense should be named in a separate article of impeachment.

[Emsworth]

This is GAY.  If yall are going to impeach him, impeach him for MURDER, not other stuff...otherwise just shut up and get back to business (I'd rather the latter).

Yes, I'd say that was a good reason. Well, not murder, but attempted murder

The Senator is free to introduce an article of impeachment that charges the President with murder/ attempted murder.

[Emsworth]

So when's the vote?

Under the rules of the Senate, voting begins when twenty-four hours have passed without debate from any Senator. This twenty-four hour time period is about to be completed; a vote will be opened in a new thread.

[Emsworth]

So when's the vote?

Under the rules of the Senate, voting begins when twenty-four hours have passed without debate from any Senator. This twenty-four hour time period is about to be completed; a vote will be opened in a new thread.

I would ask for direction as to the rules for conduct of impeachment proceedings.

The Constitution suggests that impeachment proceedings may brought "In the same manner as the proposition of a Bill." Thus, the rules that normally apply to legislation also apply to articles of impeachment.

Just to note, this is just a vote on whether to impeach the President. If impeached, a trial must be held before the people. There is no official impeachment trial procedure written down anywhere, so we will just have to adhere to normal parliamentary procedure.

[Emsworth]

A literal reading indicates that the similarity in procedure referes only to the proposal of the articles, not to voting rules, etc.

Correct. However, as the Senate has not adopted special rules relating to impeachment, it seemed appropriate to apply the normal procedures.

In any event, voting has been suspended for now, if the Senator has further comments. However, I will note that the Senator does not have the constitutional right to question the defendant (unless the defendant wishes to answer). No-one may be compelled to incriminate himself.

[Emsworth]

Do any Senators have further comments?

[Emsworth]

Senators, voting is now open.