The word "impeach" originates from Old French "empeechier" and dates back to the 14th century. It is derived from the Latin word "impedicare," meaning "to entangle" or "to hinder."
Impeachment is a formal accusation or charge against a high-ranking public official, typically a president, governor, or judge. It involves alleging that the official has committed serious misconduct, such as treason, bribery, or other "high crimes and misdemeanors."
The concept of impeachment has its roots in ancient Roman law. The Roman Senate had the power to impeach magistrates for abuse of power. In medieval England, Parliament adopted this practice, and the first impeachment in English history occurred in 1376 against William Latimer, a royal advisor.
In the United States, the Constitution grants the House of Representatives the sole power to impeach federal officials. The Senate then has the responsibility to hold a trial and determine whether to convict and remove the official from office.
Impeachment has played a significant role in American history. Notable impeachments include:
Etymology Latin impetus attack onset assault Proto Indo European h₂ep to
Etymology The word appeach originates from the Anglo French word apeche meaning to
Etymology The word impeach originates from Old French empeechier and dates back to th
Etymology Middle English despachen Old French despacher Late Latin dispedicare Latin
Etymology The word peach comes from the Old French word pesche which in turn derives
Etymology The word accuse comes from Old French acuser Medieval Latin accusare
Etymology Middle English reprouchen from Old French reprochier from Late Latin reproba
Etymology The word challenge derives from the Old French word chalenge which itself
Etymology File originates from the Middle English word filen which itself derives fro
Etymology Old English leof beloved dear Proto Germanic leubô Proto Indo Europ
Etymology The word life originates from the Old English word līf which is derived f
Etymology The word lodge comes from the Old English word loge meaning a small hut
Etymology The word arraign comes from the Old French word areigner which in turn com
