Revised Guidelines For Impeachment Trials In The U.S. Senate (1986).pdf

procedures and guidelines for impeachment trials in the United States Senate, revised pursuant to Senate Resolution 439 of the 99th Congress. Prepared by Floyd M. Riddick and Robert B. Dove, it was ordered printed on August 15, 1986.

Key points include:

- Constitutional Provisions: The document begins with constitutional guidelines for impeachment trials.

- Rules of Procedure: It details Senate rules when sitting as a court during impeachment trials.

- Sequence of Events:
- Receipt and presentation of articles of impeachment by House managers.
- Adoption of resolutions for trial expenses in recent cases.
- Organization of the Senate for trial, including oaths administered to Senators and the Chief Justice presiding over certain trials.
- Proclamation for trial commencement and summons order.

- Precedents and Practices:
- Rules on adjournments, legislative business unaffected by impeachment proceedings, and precedence of motions.
- Procedures for amendments to articles of impeachment, voting procedures, and attendance requirements for Senators.
- Submission and printing of briefs, handling appeals, and examination of witnesses.

- Role of the Chief Justice: As Presiding Officer, the Chief Justice handles appeals, questions on impeachment articles, and votes.

- Committees in Impeachment Trials: The document discusses committees appointed to receive evidence and their use by the Senate during trials.

- Congressional Session Requirement: Congress must be in session during an impeachment trial.

- Counsel for Respondent: Guidelines include allowances for assistants during the trial and handling improper language.

The resolution was submitted by Senators Robert C. Byrd and Robert Dole, reported with amendments by Charles McC. Mathias Jr., and agreed upon on August 15, 1986.