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

High Crimes and Misdemeanors examines the constitutional basis and historical precedents for impeachment in American government. The book traces impeachment from its origins in British law through its incorporation into the U.S. Constitution and its use throughout American history. Constitutional scholar Frank O. Bowman III analyzes impeachment cases from both federal and state levels, including the impeachments of Presidents Johnson, Nixon, and Clinton. The text provides context for understanding what constitutes an impeachable offense and how interpretations have evolved over time. The book explores the distinction between criminal acts and the broader category of political offenses that may warrant removal from office. Bowman examines various historical sources, legal documents, and scholarly works to establish a framework for evaluating impeachment proceedings. This comprehensive study offers insights into the relationship between presidential power, constitutional limits, and legislative oversight. The work contributes to ongoing debates about the role of impeachment as a check on executive authority in American democracy.

Readers found the book provided detailed historical context about impeachment, though some felt it became too focused on critiquing the Trump administration rather than maintaining a purely historical analysis. Positives: - Clear explanations of constitutional law and precedent - Comprehensive coverage of past impeachment cases - Accessible writing style for non-legal readers - Strong research and documentation Negatives: - Second half shifts from historical focus to contemporary politics - Some readers felt the Trump criticism overshadowed the historical analysis - Length and detail level occasionally overwhelming for casual readers - A few noted repetitive sections Ratings: Goodreads: 4.2/5 (43 ratings) Amazon: 4.4/5 (31 ratings) Review quotes: "Excellent historical perspective but loses objectivity in later chapters" - Amazon reviewer "Best explanation of impeachment process I've found" - Goodreads reader "Too much editorializing about current events" - Amazon reviewer

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Grand Inquests: The Historic Impeachments of Justice Samuel Chase and President Andrew Johnson by William H. Rehnquist The former Chief Justice explores two pivotal 19th-century impeachment trials that shaped the constitutional understanding of impeachment powers.

The Impeachers: The Trial of Andrew Johnson and the Dream of a Just Nation by Brenda Wineapple A detailed account of President Johnson's impeachment that examines the political, social, and racial dynamics of Reconstruction-era America.

To End a Presidency: The Power of Impeachment by Laurence Tribe, Joshua Matz An exploration of impeachment's constitutional basis and its application in contemporary American politics through legal and historical perspectives.

🔷 The book explores how British legal precedents from as far back as the 14th century influenced the American founders' understanding of impeachment and shaped the Constitution's impeachment provisions. 📚 Author Frank O. Bowman III served as Special Counsel to the U.S. Sentencing Commission in Washington, D.C., and spent three years as an academic advisor to the American Bar Association's Justice Kennedy Commission. ⚖️ The phrase "high crimes and misdemeanors" first appeared in English law in 1386 during the impeachment of Michael de la Pole, Earl of Suffolk. 🏛️ The book examines all three American presidential impeachments prior to its publication (Andrew Johnson, Richard Nixon, and Bill Clinton), comparing the evidence and circumstances of each case. 📝 Bowman wrote this comprehensive 478-page analysis while serving as the Floyd R. Gibson Missouri Endowed Professor of Law at the University of Missouri School of Law, drawing from his extensive background in criminal law and constitutional history.