Connecticut Law ARTICLE IX Of Impeachments
Connecticut Constitution – Article IX: Of Impeachments
🔹 Overview:
Article IX of the Connecticut Constitution outlines the impeachment process for certain public officials in the state. It defines who can be impeached, how impeachment proceedings are initiated, and how trials are conducted.
🔹 Key Provisions:
Section 1 – Power of Impeachment
The House of Representatives holds the sole power to impeach.
Impeachment applies to governor, lieutenant governor, and all other executive and judicial officers of the state.
Section 2 – Trial of Impeachments
Impeachment trials are conducted by the Senate.
Senators must be under oath or affirmation during the trial.
Two-thirds of the senators present must agree to convict.
The presiding officer at the trial is:
The Chief Justice of the Connecticut Supreme Court, or
Another Supreme Court judge designated if the Chief Justice is unavailable.
Section 3 – Judgment and Punishment
Judgments in impeachment cases are limited to:
Removal from office, and
Disqualification from holding any future office of honor, trust, or profit in Connecticut.
The impeached party may still face criminal prosecution under law separately from the impeachment.
🔹 In Summary:
| Step | Role | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | House of Representatives | Initiates impeachment by majority vote |
| 2 | Senate | Conducts trial; 2/3 vote needed to convict |
| 3 | Chief Justice (or substitute) | Presides over the Senate trial |
| 4 | Penalties | Limited to removal and disqualification from office, but criminal liability remains |
🔹 Purpose:
Article IX ensures accountability of high-ranking state officials and provides a clear, constitutionally defined process for removing those who abuse power or commit serious misconduct.
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