ARTICLES OF IMPEACHMENT
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ARTICLES OF IMPEACHMENTARTICLES OF IMPEACHMENT. An instrument which, in cases of impeachment, (q.v.)
is used, and performs the same office which an indictment does, in acommon criminal case, is known by this name. These articles do not usuallypursue the strict form and
accuracy of an indictment., Wood. Lect. 40, p.605; Foster, 389, 390; Com. Dig. Parliament, L 21. They are sometimes quitegeneral in the form of the allegations, but always
contain, or ought tocontain, so much certainty, as to enable the party to put himself on theproper defence, and in case of an acquittal, to avail himself of it, as abar to another
impeachment. Additional articles may, perhaps, be exhibitedat any stage of the prosecution. Story on the Sec. 806; Rawle on the Const.216. 2. The answer to articles of
impeachment is exempted from observinggreat strictness of form; and it may contain arguments as well as facts. Itis usual to give a full and particular answer to each article of
theaccusation. Story, Sec. 808.
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