Home > Great American Court Cases > Samuel Chase Impeachment

Senate Document #876, 62nd Congress, 2nd Session (1805)

Prosecution
United States

Defendant
Samuel Chase, U.S. Associate Supreme Court Justice

Plaintiff's Claim
That Chase should be removed from his post for committing "High Crimes and Misdemeanors" within the meaning of Article II, Section 4 of the Constitution.

Prosecutors
"Trial managers" John Randolph, Caesar Rodney

Chief Defense Lawyers
Robert Goodloe Harper, Joseph Hopkinson, Luther Martin

Judges
The U.S. Senate, with Vice-President Aaron Burr presiding

Place
Washington, D.C.

Date of Decision
1 March 1805

Decision
Chase was found not guilty and was allowed to remain in his post.

Significance
Congress for the first and only time exercised its constitutional prerogative to try a justice of the U.S....