Articles Of Impeachment

A written allegation of the causes for impeachment. They are called by Blackstone a kind of bill of indictment, and perform the same office which an indictment does in a common criminal case. They do not usually pursue the strict form and accuracy of an indictment, but are sometimes quite general in the form of the allegations. Wooddeson, Lect. 605; Comyn, Dig. "Parliament" (L 21); Story, Const. § 806.

Accusations in writing which form the basis of a trial by impeachment. They are called by Blackstone a kind of bills of indictment, and perform the same office which an indictment does in a common criminal case. They do not usually pursue the strict form and accuracy of an indictment, but are sometimes quite general in the form of the allegations. Woodd. Lect. 605; Sto. Const. 5th ed. § 807; Com. Dig. Parliament, L. 21; Foster, Cr. L. 389. They should, however, contain so much certainty as to enable a party to put exhibited at any stage of the proceedings; Rawle, Const. 216. The answer to articles of impeachment need not observe great strictness of form; and it may contain arguments as well as facts. It is usual to give a full and particular answer to each article of the accusation; Story, Const. 5th ed. § 810; Jeff. Man. § 53. See Impeachment.

The formal written allegation of the causes for an impeachment, answering the same purpose as an indictment in an ordinary criminal proceeding.

Defined under Impeachment in Black's Law Dictionary.

A formal written allegation of the causes for impeachment; answering the same office as an indictment in an ordinary criminal pre ceeding.