Students in many of my classes have discussed at one point or another the process for removing the President, high executive officers and federal judges: impeachment. Between 1797 and 2008, only 17 individuals have been impeached, and of those only seven were removed. In short, this is a rare event in American history. Which is what makes last week's impeachment of U.S. Federal Court Judge Samuel Kent extraordinary. Judge Kent was recently convicted of obstruction of justice related to charges of sexual assault that were brought against him. Now in prison, Judge Kent remains a federal judge until he resigns or is removed. After last week's action in the House of Representatives, removal is looking increasingly likely. The Houston Chronicle has more.
UPDATE - According to the Associated Press, the process is now moving to the U.S. Senate.
