South Carolina Constitution Article XV - Impeachment
South Carolina Constitution – Article XV: Impeachment
Article XV of the South Carolina Constitution outlines the procedures and grounds for impeachment of state officials. It provides the legal framework for removing officials from office for serious misconduct.
🔑 Key Provisions of Article XV:
Section 1 – Power of Impeachment
The House of Representatives has the sole power to impeach.
Impeachment requires a two-thirds vote of all members elected to the House.
Section 2 – Trial of Impeachments
The Senate has the sole power to try all impeachments.
When sitting for impeachment, Senators must be under oath or affirmation.
Two-thirds of the members present must concur to convict.
Section 3 – Officers Subject to Impeachment
The Governor, Lieutenant Governor, and all other executive and judicial officers of the state are subject to impeachment for serious crimes or misconduct in office.
Section 4 – Judgment in Cases of Impeachment
Judgment in impeachment cases is limited to removal from office and disqualification from holding future office of honor, trust, or profit in the state.
The convicted party remains liable to indictment, trial, judgment, and punishment according to law.
📌 Summary:
Article XV sets up a two-step process:
House impeaches (acts like a grand jury).
Senate tries the case (like a court).
It limits punishment to removal and disqualification, keeping criminal liability separate and still enforceable through the courts.
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