Impeach (motion)

Impeachment is a formal process in which an official is accused of unlawful activity, the consequence of which, depending on the country, may include removal from office as well as criminal or civil punishment. It is a mechanism within a constitutional system intended to hold high-ranking government officials accountable for abuse of power, misconduct, or other serious offenses.

In many systems, impeachment is a two-step process. First, a legislative body (e.g., the House of Representatives in the United States) must vote to impeach the official, which is analogous to an indictment in criminal law. This vote signifies that there is sufficient evidence to bring charges against the official.

Second, after impeachment, the official is tried before a different body (e.g., the Senate in the United States). This trial resembles a court proceeding, with evidence presented and arguments made for and against the official's guilt. A supermajority vote (e.g., two-thirds) is often required for conviction.

The grounds for impeachment vary depending on the country and its constitution. Typical grounds include "treason, bribery, or other high crimes and misdemeanors," as in the United States Constitution, but the interpretation of these terms can be subject to debate. In other jurisdictions, specific acts such as violation of the constitution, dereliction of duty, or corruption may be grounds for impeachment.

The process and consequences of impeachment are generally defined by the constitution and laws of the country in question. While impeachment is a tool for accountability, it is also inherently a political process, and the decision to impeach and convict can be influenced by political considerations.