Articles Of Impeachment

An instrument which, in cases of impeachment, is used, and performs the same purpose as an indictment in a common criminal case. These articles do not usually pursue the strict form and accuracy of an indictment. They are sometimes quite general in the form of the allegations, but always contain, or ought to contain, so much certainty, as to enable the party to put himself on the proper defence, and in case of an acquittal, to avail himself of it, as a bar to another impeachment. Additional articles may, perhaps, be exhibited at any stage of the prosecution.

The answer to articles of impeachment is exempted from observing great strictness of form; and it may contain arguments as well as facts. It is usual to give a full and particular answer to each article of the accusation.
   

This entry contains material from Bouvier's Legal Dictionary, a work published in the 1850's.

A formal statement of the grounds upon which theremoval of a public official is sought, similar to an indictment in an ordinarycriminal proceeding. In the federal system, articles of impeachment are votedby the House of Representatives, with the trial occurring before the Senate.