British Origins and American Practice of Impeachment

Matthew Flinders editor Chris Monaghan editor

Format:Hardback

Publisher:Taylor & Francis Ltd

Published:12th Dec '23

Currently unavailable, and unfortunately no date known when it will be back

British Origins and American Practice of Impeachment cover

This collection brings together historians, political scientists and legal scholars to explore the Anglo-American origins of impeachment and its use in the USA. Impeachment originated in England during the Good Parliament of 1376. It was used, subject to several periods of disuse, until the beginning of the nineteenth century. The British form of impeachment in turn inspired the drafters of the US Constitution and the inclusion of a mechanism permitting the removal of members of the federal executive and federal judiciary. These Anglo-American origins of impeachment have inspired many constitutions around the globe to include impeachment mechanisms which permit, in most cases, the legislature to remove the President, a Prime Minister, ministers and judges. This volume explores the origins, influence and practice of impeachment. Divided into three parts, the history of impeachment and how it developed in British history is the focus of part one. The inclusion of Ireland reflects the constitutional status of impeachment, the legacy of union with Great Britain and how impeachment can still serve as a deterrent. Part two examines the adoption of impeachment within the US Constitution and its use in practice. The third and final part discusses impeachment in the twenty-first century. The book will be an essential resource for students, academics and researchers in law, political science and history.

‘This wide-ranging, interdisciplinary study of impeachment is essential readingfor scholars, citizens, and public officials alike. Now more than ever, it is vital to appreciate the promise and perils of the impeachment power, and to reckon with its proper role in constitutional democracy.’

Joshua Matz, Partner, Kaplan Hecker & Fink LLP; Impeachment Counsel to the House Judiciary Committee for the first (2019–20) and second (2021) Senate trial of President Trump

ISBN: 9781032187259

Dimensions: unknown

Weight: 730g

282 pages