Legal Definitions - Articles of Impeachment

Definition: Articles of Impeachment are a written statement of charges used to remove an individual from office. They are like an indictment in a criminal case, but they do not have to follow the same strict format.

For example, if a government official is accused of breaking the law or violating their duties, the House Judiciary Committee may investigate and find reasons for impeachment. They will then write up the specific allegations in the Articles of Impeachment and present them to the full House of Representatives. The House will debate the allegations and vote on each one.

The Articles of Impeachment must be specific enough to allow the accused to defend themselves, but they can be general in nature. Additional articles of impeachment can be added at any time during the impeachment process.

Overall, the Articles of Impeachment are a formal way for the government to hold officials accountable for their actions and remove them from office if necessary.