High Crimes and Misdemeanors
A History of Impeachment for the Age of Trump

A complete historical and constitutional analysis of impeachment by a leading scholar who participated in both Trump impeachments.

Frank O. Bowman III (Author)

9781009400978, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 30 November 2023

636 pages
23.5 x 15.5 x 3.5 cm, 1.126 kg

'Bowman writes clearly and accessibly; undergraduates and graduate students will find his work useful. The appendixes of documents, references, and lists of sources make this volume an invaluable reference tool … Recommended.' P. Lermack, CHOICE

This indispensable work traces impeachment from its bloody origins in medieval England, to its adoption in the Constitution, and through 250 years of American experience culminating in the two impeachments of Donald Trump. Frank O. Bowman III tells the stories, human and political, of nobles, commoners, colonists, judges, legislators, cabinet officers, and Presidents who have faced impeachment. He demonstrates that the practice was designed to be a flexible tool, informed by history, and adaptable to the needs of any age. The first edition was read by Democrats and Republicans and cited extensively by the advocates in both Trump impeachments. In this second edition, Bowman expands the first edition's deep historical and constitutional analysis. He also draws on his involvement in both Trump impeachments as a congressional consultant and frequent commentator, to assess Trump's aberrant presidency, his impeachments, and whether impeachment remains a useful tool against an overreaching president.

Introduction
1. British Impeachments (1376–1787)
2. American Impeachments Before 1787
3. The Founders' Impeachment
4. Impeaching Legislators & Lesser Executive Branch Officials
5. Impeachment of Judges
6. The Impeachment of Andrew Johnson
7. The Fall of President Richard Nixon
8. The Strange Case of William Jefferson Clinton
9. How Donald J. Trump Became President
10. The Mueller Investigation: Trump Avoids Impeachment for Russian Collusion and Obstruction of Justice
11. Paths not taken to Trump impeachment – Emoluments and Self-Enrichment
12. The Twenty-fifth Amendment Alternative
13. Ukraine, a 'Perfect Call' & the Road to Trump's First Impeachment
14. The House Impeaches Trump for Ukraine
15. The First Senate Trial of Donald Trump
16. The Verdict in the First Trump Impeachment and Its Lessons
The Senate Votes and Explains Itself
17. Donald Trump's Second Impeachment, Trial, and Acquittal
18. Conclusion
Appendix
Index.

Subject Areas: International law [LB]