Bill Clinton Acquitted in Senate Impeachment Trial
February 12th, 1999
February 12th, 1999

How Long Ago?
26 years, 1 month, 3 days ago
Location
Washington, D.C., United States
Category
Politics & Government
People
- Bill Clinton
- Nancy Pelosi
- Monica Lewinsky
- William Rehnquist
- Orrin Hatch
Links & References
Tags
Bill Clinton Acquitted in Senate Impeachment Trial
The United States Senate acquitted President Bill Clinton, following a historic impeachment trial that began in late 1998. The charges were related to perjury and obstruction of justice stemming from a sexual harassment lawsuit filed by Monica Lewinsky. In a dramatic setting, the Senate voted on two articles of impeachment, which ultimately failed to secure the necessary two-thirds majority for conviction. This outcome allowed Clinton to continue his presidency, despite the controversy surrounding his actions.
Bill Clinton was impeached for perjury and obstruction.
Senate trial lasted from January to February 1999.
Clinton acquitted by Senate with no conviction.
Second president in U.S. history to face impeachment.
What Happened?
The impeachment trial of President Bill Clinton commenced after the House of Representatives approved two articles of impeachment against him on December 19, 1998. The charges focused on perjury and obstruction of justice, primarily related to Clinton's extramarital relationship with White House intern Monica Lewinsky. The trial was marked by intense media coverage and political divisions, as Clinton became only the second sitting president to be impeached in U.S. history, following Andrew Johnson in 1868. Clinton's defense team argued that the charges were politically motivated and urged the Senate to acquit him.
Beginning January 7, 1999, the Senate trial was presided over by Chief Justice William Rehnquist. It featured both House managers presenting the case against Clinton and the president's legal team arguing for his acquittal. After several weeks of testimony and deliberation, the Senate voted on February 12, 1999. In a decisive outcome, the Senate acquitted Clinton on both articles: the vote on the first article of perjury was 45 not guilty to 55 guilty, and on the second article of obstruction of justice, the vote was 50 not guilty to 50 guilty. Both votes fell short of the two-thirds majority required for conviction.
The acquittal allowed Clinton to remain in office for the remainder of his two-term presidency, which would conclude in January 2001. Clinton's presidency was characterized by economic prosperity, but the impeachment trial overshadowed his second term. The acquittal also raised questions about the political implications, as well as the role of personal conduct in assessing a president's fitness for office, leading to ongoing debates about morality and politics in American governance.
Why Does it Matter?
The acquittal of Bill Clinton marked a significant moment in American political history, highlighting the complexities of impeachment proceedings. This event underscored the challenges of addressing allegations against a president and the potential ramifications on public trust and political discourse. It led to a reevaluation of the standards for impeachment and set a precedent for future administrations regarding the accountability of elected officials.
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