Senate Postpones Misconduct Trial of Federal Judge
The Senate decided Friday to postpone until next year the impeachment trial of U.S. District Judge Alcee Hastings, Florida’s first black federal judge.
Senators, on a voice vote, approved a resolution delaying the trial until the 101st Congress, which convenes in January. It also recommended that a committee of 12 senators, rather than the full body, hear the misconduct charges against Hastings.
The House impeached Hastings on Aug. 3 for charges largely related to his 1983 bribery and conspiracy trial, in which he was acquitted. If convicted by a two-thirds’ Senate vote, he would be removed from the bench and lose his $89,500 annual salary.
Under the arrangement, the 12 senators would hear most of the case, with the full Senate receiving a report from them and listening to closing arguments before voting on the 17 articles of impeachment against Hastings.
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