In 1866, the House voted 105-20 to try former Confederate President Jefferson Davis for treason -- the trial ultimately never occurred.
Under the direction of President John Adams, the Congress passed the Sedition Act of 1798, which made it a criminal offence to publish statements critical of the federal government. The first individual to be tried under the law was Rep. Matthew Lyon, who unsurprisingly had voted against its passage. Lyon was re-elected from jail.
Sen. Rand Paul's motion to hold that the Senate cannot try an impeached official who is no longer in office was defeated 55-45. Most legal scholars agree such a trial is permissible.
Explore current and historical political parties, map party control, and learn about polarization.
The Senate voted to acquit former President Trump of charges of inciting the January 6th attack on congress. Although Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell expressed that Trump was legally culpable for a "disgraceful dereliction of duty", he concluded that the Senate is unable to convict former officials. The Senate had previously held it has the power to do so.
