The Chief Justice presides, but he's not the judge.
In the Clinton trial, it was made clear that the Senators were both judge and jury.
Rules are decided by a majority. If 51 Republican Senators stick together, McConnell will have a lot of power in devising the rules.
In the Clinton trial, it was made clear that the Senators were both judge and jury.
Rules are decided by a majority. If 51 Republican Senators stick together, McConnell will have a lot of power in devising the rules.
I'll try a quick answer to this complicated question.
I promise I will deal with it more fully later.
Rule 7 of the Senate Rules gives us most of the meat. Basically, the Chief Justice directs all forms of the proceedings, making sure the rules . . .
I promise I will deal with it more fully later.
Rule 7 of the Senate Rules gives us most of the meat. Basically, the Chief Justice directs all forms of the proceedings, making sure the rules . . .
. . . are followed.
The Chief Justice also rules on questions of evidence the way a judge usually does, but he can be overruled by a majority of the Senate if they don't like his rulings.
Remember that a Senate trial plays mostly in the Court of Public Opinion. . .
The Chief Justice also rules on questions of evidence the way a judge usually does, but he can be overruled by a majority of the Senate if they don't like his rulings.
Remember that a Senate trial plays mostly in the Court of Public Opinion. . .
. . . so you have to consider the optics.
Remember that Senate trials play mostly in the Court of Public Opinion, by design.
The framers of the Constitution considered giving impeachment trials to the Supreme Court, but instead gave it to Congress.
Remember that Senate trials play mostly in the Court of Public Opinion, by design.
The framers of the Constitution considered giving impeachment trials to the Supreme Court, but instead gave it to Congress.
This makes it a quasi-judicial proceeding. It's part politics, part law.
Roberts can do a lot to direct the hearing. If the Republicans insist on a sham trial, how he responds can do much to shape public opinion.
I'll try to expand more and answer more questions tomorrow.
Roberts can do a lot to direct the hearing. If the Republicans insist on a sham trial, how he responds can do much to shape public opinion.
I'll try to expand more and answer more questions tomorrow.
