Arkansas Constitution Article 15 - Impeachment and Address
Arkansas Constitution – Article 15: Impeachment and Address
Article 15 of the Arkansas Constitution outlines the processes and rules for impeachment and address of state officials. Below is a summary of its key sections:
Section 1 – Power of Impeachment
The House of Representatives has the sole power of impeachment.
A majority vote is required to impeach a state official.
Section 2 – Trial of Impeachments
All impeachments are tried by the Senate.
When sitting for this purpose, Senators are under oath.
The Chief Justice of the Arkansas Supreme Court presides over impeachment trials (except when the Chief Justice is impeached).
Section 3 – Conviction Requirements
A two-thirds vote of all members of the Senate is required to convict.
Section 4 – Officers Subject to Impeachment
Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Secretary of State, Treasurer, Auditor, Attorney General, Judges of the Supreme Court, and other state officers are subject to impeachment for high crimes, misdemeanors, and malfeasance in office.
Section 5 – Judgment in Impeachment Cases
Judgment in impeachment cases is limited to removal from office and disqualification from holding any office of honor, trust, or profit in the state.
The accused may still be subject to criminal prosecution under law.
Section 6 – Removal by Address
Judges may be removed from office by the Governor upon the joint address of two-thirds of both the Senate and House.
This applies only after the accused has had notice and an opportunity to be heard.
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