Impeachment...a closer look

For more than one year, President Clinton has been involved in investigations which might result in his removal from office.

Clinton was impeached last December by the House of Representatives on charges of perjury and obstruction of justice. This year, the Senate impeachment trial began with Chief Justice William Rehnquist being sworn in to preside over the case.

One week ago, House prosecutors started their opening arguments and presented their case against the president. On Tuesday, Clinton’s defense team had a chance to answer the prosecutors. The team presented its case on why the president should not be removed from office.

After opening arguments and procedures, the case may be dismissed if the senators think insufficient evidence exists to convict the president. A motion to call witnesses may be made if the case continues. Penn State students have their own opinions on the matter and reporters from The Daily Collegian polled 100 students about issues surrounding President Clinton’s impeachment trial, including issues involving former White House intern Monica Lewinsky.

The results of the survey are illustrated below.