Rhode Island Constitution articles 8 Of Impeachment
Rhode Island Constitution – Article 8: Of Impeachment
📜 Overview:
Article 8 of the Rhode Island Constitution sets forth the process and grounds for impeachment of public officials. It establishes how government officers can be held accountable and removed for misconduct, ensuring the integrity of public office.
🔑 Key Provisions of Article 8:
Who Can Be Impeached:
The Governor, Lieutenant Governor, judges, and all civil officers of the state are subject to impeachment for misconduct.
Grounds for Impeachment:
Impeachment applies for misdemeanors, malfeasance, corruption, neglect of duty, or other high crimes and misdemeanors related to office.
Initiation of Impeachment:
The House of Representatives has the sole power to impeach (bring charges) against an official.
Impeachment requires a majority vote in the House.
Trial and Conviction:
The Senate has the sole power to try all impeachments.
Conviction requires a two-thirds vote of the Senators present.
Consequences of Impeachment:
On conviction, the officer can be removed from office and disqualified from holding any state office in the future.
Impeachment does not prevent further criminal prosecution.
Presiding Officer:
When the Governor is tried, the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court presides over the Senate trial.
In other cases, the Senate elects a presiding officer.
🧭 Purpose and Impact:
Article 8 provides a constitutional check on executive and judicial officials.
Ensures accountability and preserves public trust in government.
Reflects principles of due process and separation of powers.
RELATED Blog
0 comments