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

by Frank O. Bowman III

Overview

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.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781009400985
Publisher:	Cambridge University Press
Publication date:	11/30/2023
Edition description:	2nd ed.
Pages:	600
Product dimensions:	5.98(w) x 8.98(h) x 1.30(d)

About the Author

Frank O. Bowman III is a distinguished scholar of constitutional and criminal law. His work on impeachment was cited by members of Congress and counsel for the President more than that of any other single author during the two impeachments of Donald Trump.

Table of Contents

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.

Editorial Reviews

‘In High Crimes and Misdemeanors, Frank O. Bowman, III has written a scholarly and even encyclopedic explanation of the history of impeachment, and offers his pull-no-punches take on how those principles should apply to the present day. Whether you agree or disagree, you'll learn a lot - and you won't think of impeachment the same way again.' Orin Kerr, University of Southern California

‘An impartial and measured look at impeachment for a turbulent age.' Gerard N. Magliocca, Indiana University

‘In this extraordinary tour de force, Frank O. Bowman, III gives us a comprehensive history of impeachment from its origins in British constitutional practice to the present day. Bowman's judgments are sure, and his superb, erudite, witty style carries one through the thickets of the law. This book entertains as well as educates, and will be an essential guide for the next presidential impeachment (whenever that might be).' Eric Posner, University of Chicago

‘Frank O, Bowman, III's new book on impeachment should be required reading for every member of Congress. Marshalling history, policy, and law, Bowman paints a comprehensive picture of impeachment and reminds us that the power to remove malfeasant, corrupt or incompetent leaders is the ultimate safeguard of liberty.' Paul Rosenzweig, R Street Institute and former Senior Counsel on the Whitewater investigation of President Clinton

‘Frank O. Bowman, III is a long-time scholar of the history of impeachment in both the United States and Britain. This is his Magnus Opus, and includes much trenchant analysis of whether President Trump should be impeached. While the book is thus timely, it is really a volume for the ages: a comprehensive, exhaustive, careful, and powerfully written examination of the institution of impeachment.' Kate Stith, Yale University, Connecticut

'… a scrupulous and thorough history of impeachment as a political tool, beginning with the British parliamentary tradition that preceded the American revolution and our constitution.' Algernon D'Ammassa, USA Today

'Meticulously reviewing and distinguishing the impeachment and conviction of judges and other officials from that of presidents, Bowman includes a valuable appendix delineating the charges against officials in US history.' J. R. Vile, Choice

'[A] superb study of the impeachment process - its history, purposes and politics.' Lawrence R. Douglas, Times Literary Supplement

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