Order Code RL30042
CRS Report for Congress
Received through the CRS Web
Compendium of Precedents Involving Evidentiary
Rulings and Applications of Evidentiary
Principles from Selected Impeachment Trials
January 29, 1999
(name redacted)
(name redacted)
(name redacted)
(name redacted)
Legislative Attorneys
American Law Division
Congressional Research Service ˜ The Library of Congress

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ABSTRACT
This is a compilation of evidentiary issues and rulings from the Senate impeachment trials of
Judges Nixon, Hastings, Claiborne, Ritter, Louderback, and Swayne. A discourse on what
evidentiary rules and principles are applicable in impeachment trials is appended.

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Compendium of Precedents Involving Evidentiary Rulings
and Applications of Evidentiary Principles from Selected
Impeachment Trials
Summary
At the present time, there are no binding rules of evidence or set of evidentiary
principles to be applied in Senate impeachment trials. Rather, recourse is taken to the
evidentiary rules and principles applicable in contemporaneous court proceedings and
to precedents from past impeachment trials to provide guidance for Senate
Impeachment Trial Committees or for the full Senate on evidentiary questions which
arise in the impeachment context. This report compiles selected evidentiary
precedents from the Senate impeachment trials of Judges Walter L. Nixon, Jr., Alcee
L. Hastings, Harry E. Claiborne, Halsted Ritter, Harold Louderback, and Charles
Swayne. The evidentiary rulings and principles gleaned from this examination are
arranged in subject matter categories, and within those categories, in reverse
chronological order by trial.

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Contents
I. Admissions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Judge Claiborne . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
II. Argumentative or Repetitive Questions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Judge Nixon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Judge Hastings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Judge Claiborne . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Judge Louderback . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
III. Best Evidence . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Judge Nixon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Judge Hastings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Judge Claiborne . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Judge Louderback . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
IV. Chain of Custody . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Judge Claiborne . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
V. Competency . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Judge Hastings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Judge Claiborne . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
VI. Cross-Examination . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Judge Hastings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Judge Claiborne . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Judge Ritter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Judge Louderback . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Judge Swayne . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
VII. Documentary Evidence . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Judge Claiborne . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Judge Ritter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Judge Louderback . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Judge Swayne . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
VIII. Expert Witnesses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Judge Hastings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
IX. Hearsay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Judge Nixon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Judge Hastings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Judge Claiborne . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Judge Louderback . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Judge Swayne . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
X. Hypothetical Questions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Judge Hastings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

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Judge Claiborne . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Judge Ritter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
XI. Lack of Foundation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Judge Hastings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Judge Claiborne . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Judge Louderback . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Judge Swayne . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
XII. Lay Opinions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Judge Nixon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Judge Hastings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Judge Ritter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Judge Swayne . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
XIII. Leading Questions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Judge Nixon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Judge Hastings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Judge Claiborne . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Judge Ritter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Judge Louderback . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Judge Swayne . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
XIV. Prior Inconsistent Statements Used to Impeach Witness . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Judge Nixon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Judge Claiborne . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Judge Swayne . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
XV. Refreshing Witness’ Recollection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Judge Nixon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Judge Claiborne . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Judge Ritter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Judge Louderback . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Judge Swayne . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
XVI. Relevancy or Materiality . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Judge Nixon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Judge Hastings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Judge Claiborne . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
Judge Ritter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
Judge Louderback . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
Judge Swayne . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
XVII. Sequestration of Witnesses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
Judge Claiborne . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
XVIII. Questions Calling For Speculation or
Conclusions on the Part of the Witness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
Judge Nixon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
Judge Hastings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
Judge Claiborne . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
Judge Ritter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51

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Judge Louderback . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
XIX. Stipulations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
Judge Nixon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
Judge Hastings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
Judge Ritter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
Judge Louderback . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
Judge Swayne . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
XX. Testimony of Additional Witnesses Foreclosed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
Judge Claiborne . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
XXI. Work Product . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
Judge Hastings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
XXII. Appendix . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
What Evidentiary Rules and Principles Are Applicable In Impeachment Trials?
58
The Impeachment Rules . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
Impeachment Precedents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59
Conclusions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66

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Compendium of Precedents Involving
Evidentiary Rulings and Applications of
Evidentiary Principles from Selected
Impeachment Trials
This report compiles precedents regarding evidentiary principles applied an
1
d
rulings made in the Senate impeachment trials of Judge Walter L. Nixon, Jr., Judge
Alcee L. Hastings, Judge Harry E. Claiborne, Judge Halsted Ritter, Judge Harold
Louderback, and Judge Charles Swayne. The rulings and principles are arranged in
2
subject matter categories, for ready reference, and within those subject matter
categories, are arranged by trial. The trials are arranged within each subject matter
category in reverse chronological order, as they are listed above. Each ruling or
application of a principle is briefly synopsized and a citation is provided to the
appropriate page of the record of those proceedings.
1This report is an update of a July 3, 1989 CRS Report 89-413, which bore the same title,
written by (name redacted) and (name redacted), Legisla
tive Attorneys, American Law
Division, and Karen Crump and Maribel Nicholson, Legislative Research Assistants.
2 We also examined the impeachment proceedings relating to Judge George W. English.
Because Judge English resigned his office before his impeachment proceeding went to trial in
the Senate, there appear to be no evidentiary issues raised or evidentiary rulings made by the
Senate in connection with his impeachment.

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CRS-2
I. Admissions
Judge Claiborne
On Sept. 6, 1986, the House of Representatives filed a “Motion to Accept Prior
Admissions of Judge Claiborne as Substantive Evidence.” The Chairman of the
Senate Impeachment Trial Committee granted this motion, subject to specific
conditions: The Respondent could, by the commencement of the proceedings on
Sept. 15, 1986, submit in writing any objection to receipt of any particular admissions
set forth in the motion; and the House Managers were directed to obtain and to file
with the Committee promptly a certified copy of Judge Claiborne’s full testimony
from his first criminal trial so that the admissions could be evaluated in context.
Report of the Senate Impeachment Trial Committee, Hearings before the Senate
Impeachment Trial Committee, United States Senate, S. Hrg. 99-812, Pt. 1, 110-11
(1986) (hereinafter S. Hrg. 99-812, Pt. 1). Statements covered by this ruling were
read into the record of the Senate Impeachment Trial Committee proceedings on
Sept. 16, 1986, without objection. S. Hrg. 99-812, Pt. 1, at 622-29.

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CRS-3
II. Argumentative or Repetitive Questions
Judge Nixon

The Chairman of the Senate Impeachment Trial Committee raised his own
objection to the Respondent counsel’s asking the House Managers’ witness a third
time about a date of a phone call. The witness answered the first two questions
Respondent’s counsel asked. The Chairman did not allow further questioning on the
issue and advised counsel to continue forward or ask another question. Report of the
Senate Impeachment Trial Committee, Hearings before the Senate Impeachment
Trial Committee, United States Senate, 101 Cong., 1
st
Sess., S.
st
Hrg. 101-247, Pt.
2 at 130 (1989) (hereinafter S. Hrg. 101-247, Pt. 2).
The Chairman raised his own objection to Respondent counsel’s third question
concerning a visit that another person had completed and then had told the witness
about it. The Chairman sustained his own motion stating that the witness had already
answered the question twice before. The Chairman directed Respondent’s counsel to
continue with another question. S. Hrg. 101-247, Pt. 2 at 66.
Judge Hastings
The House Managers objected to a question posed by Respondent’s counsel
concerning whether a particular fact caused the witness “to suspect what the judges
were up to.” The House Managers characterized the question as “out of line and
inappropriate.” The Chairman of the Senate Impeachment Trial Committee overruled
the objection. Report of the Senate Impeachment Trial Committee on the Articles
Against Judge Alcee L. Hastings, Hearings before the Senate Impeachment Trial
Committee, United States Senate, 101 Cong., 1
st
Sess., S. Hrg. 101-194, Pt. 2A at
st
55 (hereinafter S. Hrg. 101-194, Pt. 2A).
Respondent’s counsel objected to a question by the House Manager: “You will
agree that I have, on three occasions here, presented pretty strong arguments with the
accuracy of your recollection of that particular event, would you not?” The Chairman
of the Senate Impeachment Trial Committee sustained the objection. S. Hrg. 101-
194, Pt. 2A at 640.
The House Manager objected to having a witness not being able to complete his
answer. The Chairman of the Senate Impeachment Trial Committee stated that “if the
witness would like to complete an answer to any question he is certainly entitled to
do that.” S. Hrg. 101-194, Pt. 2A at 795.
The House Manager objected to the line of questioning stating that “it is clear
that the witness does not recall....The same question seems to be asked two or three
times.” The Chairman of the Senate Impeachment Trial Committee overruled the
objection “if counsel can move quickly through this.” S. Hrg. 101-194, Pt. 2A at
917.

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CRS-4
Respondent’s counsel objected to “the continued persistent line of the same
questioning.” The Chairman of the Senate Impeachment Trial Committee overruled
the objection. S. Hrg. 101-194 Pt. 2A at 1293.
Respondent’s counsel objected to a line of questioning as argumentative. The
Chairman of the Senate Impeachment Trial Committee sustained the objection. S.
Hrg. 101-194, Pt. 2A at 1293.
Respondent’s counsel objected to a House Manager’s question of whether the
witness was aware of a particular rule for the readmission of attorneys to the bar (a
two year waiting period). The witness had just testified that she did not know
anything about the rules for readmission and respondent’s counsel objected that the
question constituted an attempt to introduce the rule into evidence. The Chairman
sustained the objection. Report of the Senate Impeachment Trial Committee on the
Articles Against Judge Alcee L. Hastings, United States Senate, 101st Cong., 1st
Sess., S. Hrg. 101-194, Pt.2B at 1796 (1989) (hereinafter S. HRG. 101-194, Pt. 2B).
Judge Claiborne
House Managers’ counsel objected to the form of Respondent’s counsel’s
impeaching questions and to his badgering the witness. The Chairman of the Senate
Impeachment Trial Committee sustained the objection. Report of the Senate
Impeachment Trial Committee, Hearings before the Senate Impeachment Trial
Committee, United States Senate, 99th Cong, 2d Sess., S. Hrg. 99-812, Pt. 1, 575
(1986) (hereinafter S. Hrg. 99-812, Pt. 1).
Respondent’s counsel objected to House Managers’ counsel’s form of
questioning as “not a question.” There is no ruling on this objection apparent in the
record of the proceedings before the Senate Impeachment Trial Committee. S. Hrg.
99-812, Pt. 1, at 668.
House Managers’ counsel objected that the question Respondent was asking had
already been asked and answered by this witness. The question was withdrawn. S.
Hrg. 99-812, Pt. 1, at 847.
House Managers’ counsel objected to the “pejorative” tone of Respondent’s
counsel’s questions to a Government agent witness regarding the witness’ not having
brought with him documents which he had not been requested to bring. Chairman of
the Senate Impeachment Trial Committee stated that it was “fair to inquire what
preparations Mr. Halper made and what he brought with him. I think it is also fair to
make it clear that Mr. Halper did not have any instructions with respect to bringing
any record.” S. Hrg. 99-812, Pt. 1, at 900-01.
House Managers’ counsel objected that Respondent’s counsel step away from
a witness and Senator Rudman requested that Respondent’s counsel not harass the
witness in connection with the redirect examination of Mr. Halper regarding portions
of “An Internal Revenue Service Manual,” Respondent’s exhibit marked for
identification as proposed exhibit 24. S. Hrg. 99-812, Pt. 1, at 911.

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CRS-5
Respondent’s counsel objected to a question by House Managers’ counsel to
Judge Claiborne with regard to Jay Wright’s conduct regarding the judge’s tax returns
as being a statement and as being argumentative. The Chairman of the Senate
Impeachment Trial Committee directed House Managers’ counsel to reformulate the
question. S. Hrg. 99-812, Pt. 1, at 1015-16.
Respondent’s counsel objected to a question by House Managers’ counsel to
Judge Claiborne as being argumentative and insulting. The Chairman of the Senate
Impeachment Trial Committee found the descriptive language used by House
Managers’ counsel in his question “a little florid.” House Managers’ counsel
withdrew the question. S. Hrg. 99-812, Pt. 1, at 1022.
Respondent’s counsel moved to strike a comment by House Managers’ counsel
during the course of his cross examination of Judge Claiborne, because it was not a
statement. House Managers’ counsel withdrew the statement and moved to strike
what he characterized as a gratuitous response of the witness which preceded his own
statement. There is no apparent ruling on the latter motion to strike. S. Hrg. 99-812,
Pt. 1, at 1031.
Respondent’s counsel asked that Judge Claiborne be permitted to answer a
question by House Managers’ counsel with regard to whether Judge Claiborne’s
motive in understating and underpaying his taxes was “sheer greed.” The House
Managers’ counsel followed the question with, “No further questions, Mr. Chairman”,
without permitting the witness to respond. House Managers’ counsel had no
objection to the witness being allowed to answer, and the Chairman of the Senate
Impeachment Trial Committee stated that the witness had a right to answer. S. Hrg.
99-1041.
Judge Louderback
The Presiding Officer sustained an objection by Respondent’s counsel that the
question regarding the witness’ auditing duties for the Respondent, was
argumentative. 77 Cong. Rec. 3793 (1933)
The Presiding Officer overruled an objection that the question was
argumentative, because the House Manager was on cross-examination and allowed
a “good deal of latitude.” 77 Cong. Rec. 3874 (1933).

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CRS-6
III. Best Evidence
Judge Nixon
Respondent’s counsel objected to the House Managers’ request to admit into
evidence an affidavit of a witness to rebut the Respondent’s positive character
witnesses. The Chairman sustained the objection on the theory that, if the testimony
was important to the House Manager’s case, they should have called the witness to
testify in person so that he could be cross-examined. Report of the Senate
Impeachment Trial Committee, Hearings before the Senate Impeachment Trial
Committee, United States Senate, 101 Cong., 1
st
Sess., S. Hrg. 101-247, Pt. 2 a
st
t
317-18 (1989) (hereinafter S. Hrg. 101-247, Pt. 2).
Judge Hastings
Respondent’s counsel objected to the introduction of transcripts without the
tapes being played. The House Manger observed that the tape was already in
evidence. Respondent’s counsel objected to the introduction of any tape that had not
been played. The Vice Chairman of the Senate Impeachment Trial Committee
sustained the objection stating: “I have difficulty with just allowing tapes in that are
being objected to on the theory that they are in general dealing with the same subject
matter that a witness has referred to....If counsel feels these are crucial to the
presentation of your case, I would suggest you go ahead and have a witness identify
them and introduce them in the way that the rest of the recorded evidence has been
introduced.” Report of the Senate Impeachment Trial Committee on the Articles
Against Judge Alcee L. Hastings, Hearings before the Senate Impeachment Trial
Committee, United States Senate, 101 Cong., 1
st
Sess., S. Hrg. 101-194, Pt. 2A at
st
331-33 (1989) (hereinafter S. Hrg. 101-194, Pt. 2A).
Respondent’s counsel objected to the use of FBI transcripts of tapes of certain
telephone conversations proffered as exhibits by the House Managers rather than
Senate transcripts from when those same tapes were played for the Committee. The
Chairman of the Senate Impeachment Trial Committee overruled the objection
stating, “We will not use our own transcription as the accurate transcript. We will
permit the House to present accurate transcripts, and we will use that.” S. Hrg. 101-
194, Pt. 2A at 300.
The House Managers objected to the procedure to be used with regard to
Respondent’s witness Margaret Dabreau Owens. The Chairman of the Committee
announced that if there was time that afternoon after the conclusion of the House
Managers’ case, Margaret Dabreau Owens’ live testimony would be taken. If there
was not time for her to appear that day, her testimony, including both examination and
cross-examination. would be videotaped after the Committee recessed for the day.
Then if the Committee had further questions, she could be recalled at a later date.
The House Managers felt that this would discourage the Members of the Senate from
questioning her. The Chairman of the Senate Impeachment Trial Committee
overruled the objection noting that any Member who wished to could remain, watch,
and participate in the questions. S. Hrg. 101-194, Pt. 2A at 1056.

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CRS-7
Judge Claiborne
Respondent’s counsel objected to the use of a list of names and citations of eight
of Judge Claiborne’s opinions as the basis for questions on the substance of those
opinions directed to Judge Claiborne by House Managers’ counsel. Respondent’s
counsel argued that the best evidence would be to submit copies of those decisions,
rather than the list of them, for the purpose of proving which were tax cases. House
Managers’ counsel agreed. The Chairman of the Senate Impeachment Trial
Committee advised House Managers’ counsel to use copies of the opinions instead
of the list. Report of the Senate Impeachment Trial Committee, Hearings before the
Senate Impeachment Trial Committee, United States Senate, 99th Cong., 2d Sess.,
S. Hrg. 99-812, Pt. 1, 963 (1986).
Judge Louderback
The Presiding Officer permitted the witness to relate his knowledge of the issue,
but stated the “best evidence” would be from other parties. 77 Cong. Rec. 3620
(1933).
The records from an insurance company, the Presiding Officer ruled, were the
“best evidence,” rather than the hearsay testimony from the witness. 77 Cong. Rec.
3624 (1933).

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CRS-8
IV. Chain of Custody
Judge Claiborne
Questions were raised and discussed regarding an exhibit marked for
identification as Respondent’s Exhibit 26. A copy of this had been obtained by
Respondent’s counsel from Mr. Watson, a witness who had asserted his 5th
Amendment privilege against self-incrimination. Mr. Watson had produced the
original of the document from the files he had brought with him to the Senate
Impeachment Trial Committee proceedings. The Chairman of the Committee directed
that the document should be given to the Clerk of the Committee to be sealed until
Mr. Watson could be called to testify as to the chain of custody and to authenticate
the document. Report of the Senate Impeachment Trial Committee, Hearings before
the Senate Impeachment Trial Committee, United States Senate, 99th Cong., 2d
Sess., S. Hrg. 99-812, Pt. 1, 949-56 (1986).

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CRS-9
V. Competency
Judge Hastings
The House Manager objected to the introduction of a transcript since the witness
had not identified his connection with the transcript. The Chairman of the Senate
Impeachment Trial Committee suggested that “perhaps the witness could properly
identify the transcript after we have heard the tape.” Report of the Senate
Impeachment Trial Committee on the Articles Against Judge Alcee L. Hastings,
Hearings before the Senate Impeachment Trial Committee, United States Senate,
101 Cong., 1
st
st Sess., S. Hrg. 101-194, Pt. 2A at 259 (1989) (hereinafter S. Hrg. 101-
194, Pt. 2A).
Respondent’s counsel objected to House Managers’ counsel’s questions
concerning entries in the “judge’s book” on the grounds that the entries were made
by a secretary other than the witness. The Vice Chairman overruled the objections.
Report of the Senate Impeachment Trial Committee on the Articles Against Judge
Alcee L. Hastings, United States Senate, 101 Cong., 1
st
Sess, S. HRG. 101-194
st
,
Pt.2B at 1787.
A House Manager objected to a question as to a witness’s opinion of another
witness’s ability to recall details. The witnesses were husband and wife. The
Chairman sustained the objection. S. HRG. 101-194, Pt.2B at 1795.
A House Manager moved that the testimony of a witness not be heard on the
grounds that the witnesses testimony would consist entirely of hearsay and that the
witness lacked the mental competence required of a witness. The Committee denied
the motion. S. HRG. 101-194, Pt.2B at 1809-18.
Judge Claiborne
House Managers’ counsel objected to a question regarding Justice Department
and U.S. Attorney practice prior to indictment of an individual on tax-related charges
as being beyond the witness’ background and expertise. The Chairman of the Senate
Impeachment Trial Committee directed the witness that it was proper for him to
respond, if he knew the answer to the question. Report of the Senate Impeachment
Trial Committee, United States Senate, 99th Cong., 2d Sess., S. Hrg. 99-812, Pt. 1,
609 (1986) (hereinafter S. Hrg. 99-812, Pt. 1).
Respondent’s counsel objected to a question by a House Manager regarding
whether the witness had an expert opinion “as to whether a reasonably intelligent
taxpayer, with a legal education, could have signed this return in the good faith belief
it was correct.” S. Hrg. 99-812, Pt. 1, at 616. Respondent’s counsel’s argument was
premised on the theory that the witness had not demonstrated any expertise regarding
the standard of willfulness applied in the criminal justice system in tax cases and
therefore the witness was incompetent to testify on this point. Further, counsel
argued that to answer would be to invade the “province of the ultimate finder of fact
by giving his opinion as to the legal conclusion.” Id. The Chairman of the Senate

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CRS-10
Impeachment Trial Committee directed the House Manager to rephrase the question
so that it addressed good faith rather than willfulness. S. Hrg. 99-812, Pt. 1, at 617.
House Managers’ counsel objected to a question by Respondent’s counsel on the
ground that the witness was incompetent to answer a question regarding the conduct
of a person that the witness had testified he did not know. Respondent’s counsel
withdrew the question. S. Hrg. 99-812, Pt. 1, at 667.
House Managers’ counsel objected to the form of a question by Respondent’s
counsel asking the witness what he would have told Judge Claiborne had he discussed
his tax return with him as both incompetent and speculative. The Respondent’s
counsel rephrased the question. S. Hrg. 99-812, Pt. 1, at 710.
House Managers’ counsel objected to a question by Respondent’s counsel asking
a witness what the significance of an arrow on a tax form was. The witness began to
state his interpretation of the arrow. House Managers’ counsel contended that the
witness was incompetent to interpret the arrow since he had not drawn it.
Respondent’s counsel countered that the witness owned the business and supervised
the office and that, if he knew the significance of the arrow, he was competent to
testify thereto. The Chairman of the Senate Impeachment Trial Committee asked the
witness whether he had discussed this particular matter with the employee who had
worked on the return. The witness stated that he did not remember. The questioning
by Respondent’s counsel proceeded without a direct ruling on the objection. S. Hrg.
99-812, Pt. 1, at 760.
House Managers’ counsel moved to strike an expert witness’ opinion testimony
as to whether a document like Judge Claiborne’s tax return would raise an audit if
submitted to the IRS. His argument was that the testimony was “incompetent, an
invasion of the province of the Senate, and obviously contrary to the facts of this case
already in evidence where we know it didn’t draw an audit.” S. Hrg. 99-812, Pt. 1,
at 829. The motion to strike was taken under advisement by the Chairman of the
Senate Impeachment Trial Committee. Id.
House Managers’ counsel objected to a character witness, an attorney who had
practiced before Judge Claiborne on tax cases, offering expert testimony on Judge
Claiborne’s knowledge of the Internal Revenue Code on the ground that he was
incompetent to do so. Respondent’s counsel countered that the testimony went to the
Respondent’s integrity and honesty and “truth and veracity as far as assigning of the
attorney.” S. Hrg. 99-812, Pt. 1, at 914. The Chairman of the Senate Impeachment
Trial Committee permitted the testimony to go forward. Id.

---

CRS-11
VI. Cross-Examination
Judge Hastings
The House Manager objected to a characterization of certain testimony. The
Chairman of the Senate Impeachment Trial Committee overruled the objection.
Report of the Senate Impeachment Trial Committee on the Articles Against Judge
Alcee L. Hastings, Hearings before the Senate Impeachment Trial Committee, United
States Senate, 101 Cong., 1
st
Sess., S. Hrg. 101-194, Pt. 2A at 115 (1989
st
)
(hereinafter S. Hrg. 101-194, Pt. 2A).
The House Manager objected to the testimony as not responsive to the question
asked by Respondent’s counsel. The Chairman of the Senate Impeachment Trial
Committee overruled the objection. S. Hrg. 101-194, Pt. 2A at 203.
The House Manager objected to the witness going beyond the original question.
The Chairman of the Senate Impeachment Trial Committee overruled the objection.
S. Hrg. 101-194, Pt. 2A at 210.
The House Manager objected to “any attempt to get Mr. Shuy to characterize
the testimony of witnesses about whom he has not been asked to testify. It is way
beyond the scope of the direct examination....” The Chairman of the Senate
Impeachment Trial Committee overruled the objection. S. Hrg. 101-194, Pt. 2A at
592.
The House Manager objected to “being unable to cross-examine this party to the
case....”The Chairman of the Senate Impeachment Trial Committee overruled the
objection relying on statements by the Respondent and stating: “With that
representation, I think we will permit the judge to go ahead and proceed with his
cross-examination, if there is any specific objection that counsel wishes to make
during the course of that, of course, he is free to make that objection.” S. Hrg. 101-
194 Pt. 2A at 770-771.
Respondent’s counsel objected to a question regarding credit cards and billings
as beyond the scope of cross-examination. The Chairman of the Senate Impeachment
Trial Committee overruled the objection. S. Hrg. 101-194 Pt. 2A at 825.
Respondent’s counsel objected to House Managers’ counsel questioning of
Respondent/witness as to content of a chart noting telephone calls to William
Borders, who was subsequently convicted on bribery charges. The Chairman
overruled the objection noting that the question was properly within the scope of
cross-examination. Report of the Senate Impeachment Trial Committee on the
Articles Against Judge Alcee L. Hastings, United States Senate, 101st Cong., 1st
Sess., S. Hrg. 101-194, Pt. 2B at 2341 (1989) (hereinafter S. HRG. 101-194,
Pt.2B).
Respondent’s counsel objected to House Managers’ counsel questioning of
Respondent/witness as to phone calls without sufficiently identifying the calls in

---

CRS-12
question. The Chairman overruled the objection noting that the question was properly
within the scope of cross-examination. S. HRG. 101-194, Pt.2B at 2345-346.
Judge Claiborne
House Managers’ counsel objected to the form of a question posed by
Respondent’s counsel as compound and unintelligible. The question was rephrased.
Report of the Senate Impeachment Trial Committee, Hearings before the Senate
Impeachment Trial Committee, United States Senate, 99th Cong., 2d Sess., S. Hrg.
99-812, Pt. 1, 560 (1986) (hereinafter S. Hrg. 99-812, Pt. 1).
House Managers’ counsel objected to the manner in which Respondent’s counsel
presented prior inconsistent testimony in his cross-examination of the witness. The
Chairman of the Senate Impeachment Trial Committee overruled the objection. S.
Hrg. 99-812, Pt. 1, at 565-66.
House Managers’ counsel objected to Respondent’s counsel’s characterization
of one witness’s testimony during the impeachment proceedings in his cross-
examination of another witness. The Chairman of the Senate Impeachment Trial
Committee suggested that Respondent’s counsel had stated the earlier testimony “a
little strongly.” Respondent’s counsel rephrased the question. S. Hrg. 99-812, Pt.
1, at 857-58.
Respondent’s counsel objected to a line of questioning by House Managers’
counsel during cross-examination of Judge Claiborne as misleading and
misrepresenting the document to which the House Managers’ counsel referred. The
Chairman of the Senate Impeachment Trial Committee permitted House Managers’
counsel to continue, but instructed House Managers’ counsel to clarify the line of
questioning and the purpose it was designed to achieve. S. Hrg. 99-812, Pt. 1, at
962-63.
Respondent’s counsel objected to House Managers’ counsel’s characterization
of Respondent’s law practice as “sole practitioner” when he was in fact the only
partner, but he had associates, and he maintained the office himself. There was no
ruling on this objection, but the nature of the Respondent’s law practice was clarified.
S. Hrg. 99-812, Pt. 1, at 972.
Respondent’s counsel objected to a question directed to Judge Claiborne by
House Managers’ counsel on cross-examination as vague and ambiguous. Because
House Managers’ counsel rephrased the question, there was no ruling on the
objection. S. Hrg. 99-812, Pt. 1, at 1010.
Judge Ritter
The President pro tempore ruled that the scope of cross-examination would be
limited to the matters as to which the witness had testified on direct. 80 Cong. Rec.
5064 (1936).

---

CRS-13
When a House Manager objected to a statement that had been volunteered by
a witness, the witness was instructed by the Vice President to limit his answers to
questions posed by Respondent’s counsel. 80 Cong Rec. 5166 (1936).
The President pro tem overruled an objection that a witness was volunteering
information, and stated that the witness had a right to explain, after he has answered
a question. The witness had been asked whether, in testimony before the House
Judiciary Committee, he had related his knowledge of certain transactions between
Judge Ritter and his former law partner. In response, the witness indicated that he
had not been thoroughly questioned at the Judiciary Committee hearing because
Respondent’s counsel did not have advance notice that he was to be a witness. 80
Cong. Rec. 5366 (1936).
Judge Louderback
The Presiding Officer overruled claims of improper cross-examination
procedures used by both parties. 77 Cong. Rec. 3795, 3862, 3858 (1933).
The testing of the witness’ credibility by the House Manager was proper cross-
examination ruled the Presiding Officer. He stated that counsel could go into any
question connected with the witness, as long as it related to the articles of
impeachment. 77 Cong. Rec. 3862 (1933).
The Respondent’s relationship with his spouse was not an issue in the trial and
was therefore improper cross-examination by House Managers. 77 Cong. Rec. 3869
(1933).
On redirect examination, the Presiding Officer overruled the objection by a
House Manager because the question had been an issue on cross-examination. 77
Cong. Rec. 3869 (1933).
Judge Swayne
The Presiding Officer ruled that the scope of cross-examination allowed counsel
to question a witness about a document that contained his signature. However, it was
not proper for Counsel for the Respondent to offer the document into evidence during
cross-examination. 39 Cong. Rec. 2622 (1905). The scope of cross-examination
could not be extended to allow opposing counsel to offer a document into evidence.
Cross-examination was not the appropriate time to rule on the admissibility of the
document offered by opposing counsel. 39 Cong. Rec. 2900 (1905).

---

CRS-14
VII. Documentary Evidence
Judge Claiborne
On Sept. 6, 1986, the House of Representatives filed a “Motion to Accept as
Substantive Evidence Certain Testimony and Documents.” The Chairman of the
Senate Impeachment Trial Committee granted this motion, subject to specified
conditions: counsel for the House Managers and for the Respondent were directed
to make “all reasonable efforts to produce for the committee either the originals of the
documents of the managers’ exhibits or the best copies available”; the Clerk of the
Committee, upon notification to the parties, was authorized to make substitutions
without further action by the Committee; and the Respondent was given permission
to “offer an objection to any particular item of evidence from his second trial if there
is a basis for objection other than the fact that prior testimony or exhibits are being
used to establish the truth of the matters asserted.” Report of the Senate
Impeachment Trial Committee, Hearings before the Senate Impeachment Trial
Committee, United States Senate, S. Hrg. 99-812, Pt. 1, 110 (1986) (hereinafter S.
Hrg. 99-812, Pt. 1).
Affidavits, requested by the Senate Impeachment Trial Committee, were
admitted after arguments from counsel for both parties and were read into the record
by Respondent’s counsel. S. Hrg. 99-812, Pt. 1, at 1141-47.
House Managers’ counsel objected to use of a document not in evidence by
Respondent’s counsel in his cross-examination of a witness. The document had been
in evidence in Judge Claiborne’s second criminal trial. The Chairman of the Senate
Impeachment Trial Committee permitted the document to be used in the testimony
of the witness. S. Hrg. 99-812, Pt. 1, at 609.
House Managers’ counsel objected to the introduction of an affidavit previously
made by the witness as a prior consistent statement proffered by the Respondent’s
counsel to rehabilitate the witness after impeachment of the witness by House
Managers’ counsel. House Managers’ counsel argued that there had been not attempt
to impeach the witness on this point. Respondent’s counsel disagreed. The Chairman
of the Senate Impeachment Trial Committee admitted the affidavit. S. Hrg. 99-812,
Pt. 1, at 670-71.
House Managers’ counsel objected to admission of a check into evidence on the
ground that this witness could not authenticate the check. The objection was
overruled on the ground that the check was not offered for its content, but rather as
the document the witness personally carried. S. Hrg. 99-812, Pt. 1, at 676-77.
House Managers’ counsel objected to examination by a witness of documents
which had not been marked for identification. Respondent’s counsel agreed, and the
documents were marked accordingly. S. Hrg. 99-812, Pt. 1, at 861.
Respondent’s counsel objected to a document’s introduction as a prior consistent
statement, but not to the document’s admission into evidence otherwise. The prior
consistent statement basis for introduction of the document was withdrawn by House

---

CRS-15
Managers’ counsel, and the document was admitted into evidence. S. Hrg. 99-812,
Pt. 1, at 905-06.
Senator Warner’s used another witness’ affidavit in his questioning of a
Government agent witness without objection. S. Hrg. 99-812, Pt. 1, at 907.
Respondent’s Exhibit 3, a check identified by Respondent, was admitted into
evidence without objection. S. Hrg. 99-812, Pt. 1, at 933-34.
Judge Ritter
The Presiding Officer declined to rule in response to the managers’ general
objection to a substantial number of documents, and ordered the managers to make
specific objections after having examined the documents. 80 Cong. Rec. 5245 (1936).
Manager Perkins objected that letters, which Respondent’s counsel wanted to offer
into evidence to explain the nature of a particular proceeding, were incompetent,
immaterial, and irrelevant. But the Presiding Officer stated:
It is the ruling of the Chair that the letters shall be exhibited to the Managers on
the part of the House, and that the Managers on the part of the House may make
specific objections to each document to which they wish to lodge objection. There
can be no ruling with respect to a large number of documents without specific
objection.
80 Cong. Rec. 5245-53 (1936).
After a House Manager objected to the introduction of docket sheets without
proper identification, respondent’s counsel authenticated by means of the witness’
knowledge of the documents. 80 Cong. Rec. 5347 (1936).
Respondent’s counsel withdrew a business report that he sought to have
admitted into evidence after one of the House Managers objected to its admission
without proof that the contents were “true” and “correct.” The document was a list
of cases being handled by Judge Ritter’s law firm at the time that the firm was
dissolved, and was prepared at the direction of a former partner of the judge. The
Manager doubted the correctness of the report since the partner stated that he did not
keep books. 80 Cong. Rec. 5166-67 (1936).
The Presiding Officer ruled that a series of exhibits which one of the House
Managers offered in evidence could not be admitted without a showing of relevance.
The Presiding Officer stated: “With respect to those [papers] which are objected to,
they are excluded until they are connected either with the respondent or with the
issue. There is nothing before the Court at the present moment which indicates that
they are relevant.” 80 Cong. Rec. 5242 (1936).
One of the Managers stipulated that official court documents offered by
respondent’s counsel could be offered in evidence without being further identified or
authenticated. The Manager and Respondent’s counsel agreed that entire court case
files be considered as having been entered into evidence. 80 Cong. Rec. 5161 (1936).

---

CRS-16
When Respondent’s counsel objected to testimony concerning the contents of
a letter since the letter itself, which had been admitted into evidence, was the “best
evidence,” the House Manager withdrew the question. 80 Cong. Rec. 5242-43
(1936).
Counsel for Respondent and the Managers stipulated concerning the admissibility
of two letters and a check. 80 Cong. Rec. 5246 (1936).
Judge Louderback
The House Manager objected to the line of questioning by Respondent’s counsel
as repetitious. The Vice President overruled on the ground that the Senate permitted
the witness, once he was on the stand, to explain his testimony, which had been
admitted as part of the record in accordance with a stipulation agreement. 77 Cong.
Rec. 3845 (1933).
The House Manager offered exhibits relating to the case at bar that also included
extraneous and irrelevant material. They were admitted in full by Senate vote over
the objection that only pertinent matters should be read into the record. 77 Cong.
Rec. 3516 (1933).
The Presiding Officer admitted materials as evidence, despite the objection by
the Respondent’s counsel that these matters were answered in the pleading. 77 Cong.
Rec. 3530 (1933).
The House Manager offered a handwritten memorandum by the Hotel Fairmont
auditor. It was admitted by the Presiding Officer, subject to correction by the
respondent’s counsel. 77 Cong. Rec. 3620.
The Presiding Officer admitted materials (an order, a petition, and an application
for adjustment of a claim) from a case heard in the Respondent’s court. 77 Cong.
Rec. 3622-24 (1933).
The Presiding Officer admitted copies of appellate transcripts taken from the
Respondent’s rulings in the Lumbermen’s cases. 77 Cong. Rec. 3627 (1933).
Judge Swayne
The Senate voted to allow a witness to testify as to what occurred at a trial, even
though the trial was of record. 3 Hinds’ Precedents of the House of Representatives
§2264, 597-598; citing 39 Cong. Rec. 3147 (1905). In the interest of efficiency,
House Managers and counsel in the Swayne trial collectively agreed to use certified
copies of records as originals. 3 Hinds’ Precedents of the House of Representatives
§2265, 598-600 (1907); citing 39 Cong. Rec. 2540, 2551 (1905).
A certified copy of the action of a board meeting of county commissioners,
inviting Judge Swayne to reside in Tallahassee, was excluded when offered to prove
his residence. The Presiding Officer ruled the document was not relevant to the issue

---

CRS-17
of residence. 3 Hinds’ Precedents of the House of Representatives §2225, 551, 552
(1907); citing 39 Cong. Rec. 3145 (1905).

The Senate voted to exclude Congressional debates when counsel for the
Respondent offered certain extracts favorable to his interpretation of the statute to
which they pertained. The Senate sustained the objection by the House Manager
based on the proposition in United v. Freight, 166 U.S. 291, 318 (1896), “Debates
in Congress are not appropriate sources of information, from which to discover the
meaning of the language of a statute passed by that body.” 3 Hinds’ Precedents of
the House of Representatives §2267, 600-603 (1907); citing 39 Cong. Rec. 3164-
3167 (1905).
The Presiding Officer excluded a compilation of certificates from clerks of the
United States offered by counsel for the Respondent showing the dates Judge Swayne
held court. The synopsis of the certificates was ruled to be argumentative. 3 Hinds’
Precedents of the House of Representatives §2259, 594, 595 (1907); citing 39 Cong.
Rec. 3163 (1905).

---

CRS-18
VIII. Expert Witnesses
Judge Hastings
Respondent’s counsel objected to the use of an expert witness on the ground that
psycholinguistics has not been recognized as a field of expertise. The Chairman of the
Senate Impeachment Trial Committee overruled the objection stating that the witness
“will be permitted to testify for the purpose that the House has indicated it wishes to
call him, and that is as to the fact that the conversation is or is not coded, but not as
to the substance, the meaning of the conversation.” Report of the Senate
Impeachment Trial Committee on the Articles Against Judge Alcee L. Hastings,
Hearings before the Senate Impeachment Trial Committee, United States Senate,
101 Cong., 1
st
st Sess., S. Hrg. 101-194, Pt. 2A at 526-32 (1989) (hereinafter S. Hrg.
101-194, Pt. 2A).
Respondent’s counsel objected to a question asking the expert witness whether
a conversation was about certain letters. The Chairman of the Senate Impeachment
Trial Committee sustained the objection observing that “if counsel wishes to ask the
witness whether in fact the conversation means what on its face it would appear to
mean, I think that’s a reasonable line of questioning.” S. Hrg. 101-194, Pt. 2A at 536.
Respondent’s counsel objected to a statement by the expert witness that a
sentence “feels that there is something strange”. The Chairman of the Senate
Impeachment Trial Committee overruled the objection. S. Hrg. 101-194, Pt. 2A at
541.

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CRS-19
IX. Hearsay
Judge Nixon
Respondent’s counsel objected to the House Managers asking the Manager's
witness to testify to statements Respondent made in an interview with White-Shunner
which were recorded on a transcript provided to the Committee. The Chairman
overruled the objection stating that the witness is entitled to testify as to what he
heard and he was available for cross-examination. Report of the Senate Impeachment
Trial Committee, Hearings before the Senate Impeachment Trial Committee, United
States Senate, 101
st Congress, 1st Sess., S. Hrg 101-247, Pt. 2, 20 (1989) (hereinafter
S. Hrg. 101-247, Pt. 2).
Respondent’s counsel twice objected to the House Managers’ witness testifying
to Judge Nixon’s testimony to the grand jury since he was not present at the
proceedings. The Chairman sustained both objections stating that the witness could
only testify as to matters of which he would have direct knowledge. S. Hrg. 101-247,
Pt. 2 at 20-21.
Respondent’s counsel objected to the House Managers’ witness reading
questions and answers from his interview with Respondent and from Respondent’s
testimony before the grand jury at issue in the Articles of Impeachment into the record
because the questions and answers would be heard out of context and the witness was
not present during the grand jury proceedings. The Chairman overruled the objection
because the witness was available for cross-examination. In addition, the full
transcript was available for all Senators to read. S. Hrg. 101-247, Pt. 2 at 21-22.
Respondent’s counsel objected twice to the House Managers’ witness answering
a question based upon what he had heard from another witness during a telephone
conversation which occurred in 1982. The Chairman sustained the Respondent
counsel’s first objection stating that the testimony was not necessary. After
Respondent’s counsel second objection, the House Manager argued that the
testimony would corroborate the knowledge of the witness about the Respondent’s
involvement in the Drew Fairchild case. The Chairman sustained the objection on
relevancy grounds. The Chairman stated that there was a lot of hearsay in the
testimony but wanted to concentrate on issues surrounding the Articles of
Impeachment. S. Hrg. 101-247, Pt. 2 at 165.
Judge Hastings
Respondent’s counsel objected to a witness quoting another party to a
conversation on the grounds that it was hearsay and that it was being offered as the
truth of a matter. The House Manager argued that it was not being offered as the
truth but rather as an indication of relationships. The Chairman of the Senate
Impeachment Trial Committee overruled the objection. Report of the Senate
Impeachment Trial Committee on the Articles Against Judge Alcee L. Hastings,
Hearings before the Senate Impeachment Trial Committee, United States Senate,
101 Cong., 1
st
st Sess., S. Hrg. 101-194, Pt. 2A at 90 (1989) (hereinafter S. Hrg. 101-
194, Pt. 2A).

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CRS-20
Respondent’s counsel asked for a continuing objection on grounds of hearsay to
testimony concerning an overheard conversation. The Chairman of the Senate
Impeachment Trial Committee overruled the objection. S. Hrg. 101-194, Pt. 2A at
91.
Respondent’s counsel made a long statement expressing concern over the use
of testimony with respect to conversations with individuals who are dead or
unavailable. He observed that although the hearsay rule has exceptions, it goes to the
principle of fundamental fairness since the use of hearsay limits cross-examination.
The testimony was admitted. S. Hrg. 101-194, Pt. 2A at 183-85.
Respondent’s counsel objected to the testimony of Mr. Sonnet on grounds of
hearsay. The Chairman of the Senate Impeachment Trial Committee sustained the
objection but the Committee voted to overrule the Chairman. Several Senators made
statements concerning their votes. S. Hrg. 101-194, Pt. 2A at 186-90.
The House Manager objected to a question by Respondent’s counsel asking for
the witness’s comments on other individuals’ opinions of Judge Hastings.
Respondent’s counsel responded that hearsay on these individuals had been admitted
for the House Managers and “either the rule on hearsay applies or it does not.” The
Chairman of the Senate Impeachment Trial Committee overruled the objection. S.
Hrg. 101-194, Pt. 2A at 208.
The House Manager objected to a question by Respondent’s counsel asking
about the reaction of prosecutors to a situation. The Chairman of the Senate
Impeachment Trial Committee sustained the objection “to the extent that the witness
is testifying about an unidentified communication to him. If he wishes to be more
specific about who he was speaking to, his testimony will be permitted.” S. Hrg. 101-
194, Pt. 2A at 209.
Respondent’s counsel objected on hearsay grounds to a question asking what a
witness observed as part of a surveillance team or heard as supervising agent from
contemporaneous reports of other agents through their radio transmissions to him.
The House Manager argued for the applicability of the hearsay rule exception in the
Federal Rules of Evidence 803(1) (present sense impression—statements of out-of-
court declarants). The Chairman of the Senate Impeachment Trial Committee
overruled the objection. S. Hrg. 101-194, Pt. 2A at 248.
Respondent’s counsel objected to an answer to a question where the witness was
going to describe a conversation with a deceased person. The Chairman of the Senate
Impeachment Trial Committee overruled the objection. S. Hrg. 101-194, Pt. 2A at
1091.
The House Manager sought to exclude the testimony of James Gunn since he
understood that the witness would be questioned concerning what he heard in
meetings involving other individuals where they were discussing Judge Hastings. The
Chairman of the Senate Impeachment Trial Committee ruled that Mr. Gunn could be
called as a witness “for the limited purpose of testifying about knowledge he has
about Mayor Clark’s state of mind or the incidents immediately surrounding this

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CRS-21
allegation which make up Article 16, but not for the purpose of general testimony on
rainmaking.” S. Hrg. 101-194, Pt. 2A at 1386.
A House Manager moved that the testimony of a witness not be heard on the
grounds that the witnesses testimony would consist entirely of hearsay and that the
witness lacked the mental competence required of a witness. The Committee denied
the motion. S. HRG. 101-194, Pt.2B at 1809-18.
A House Manager objected to a question as eliciting hearsay testimony;
Respondent’s counsel cited witness unavailability and the Committee’s prior hearsay
rulings. The Chairman overruled the objection. S. HRG. 101-194, Pt.2B at 1836.
A House Manager objected on hearsay grounds to the Respondent/witness’s
testimony as to conversations he had had. Respondent’s counsel argued that the
testimony showed the Respondent’s state of mind and might be considered part of the
“res gestae” [excited utterances upon learning that the FBI had executed a forthwith
grand jury subpoena deuces tecum for material in his chambers in his absence]. The
Chairman overruled the objection. S. HRG. 101-194, Pt.2B at 2289.
A House Manager objected to the introduction of newspaper story concerning
an attorney who withdrew from representation of Respondent prior to his criminal
trial. Respondent’s counsel conceded the evidence constituted hearsay but argued for
its admission was relevant and probative since it came from an independent source.
The Chairman declined to allow admission. S. HRG. 101-194, Pt.2B at 2311-12.
House Managers’ counsel objected on hearsay grounds to respondent’s
testimony as to a complimentary comment by the prosecutor in his criminal trial. The
Chairman overruled the objection. S. HRG. 101-194, Pt.2B at 2319.
Judge Claiborne
House Managers’ counsel objected to a question by Respondent’s counsel on the
ground that it was designed to elicit hearsay. The Chairman of the Senate
Impeachment Trial Committee requested that Respondent’s counsel rephrase the
question to avoid the objection. Respondent’s counsel rephrased the question.
Report of the Senate Impeachment Trial Committee, hearings before the Senate
Impeachment Trial Committee, United States Senate, 99th Cong., 2d Sess., S. Hrg.
99-812, Pt. 1, 568-69 (1986) (hereinafter S. Hrg. 99-812, Pt. 1).
Respondent’s counsel objected to a question by a House Manager asking a
witness to state what a particular entry on a copy of document which he had before
him “was or purported to be” on the ground that the question was designed to elicit
hearsay testimony. The copy was illegible. The original of the document, which had
been in the hands of the Chairman of the Senate Impeachment Trial Committee, was
substituted for the copy and the direct examination continued. S. Hrg. 99-812, Pt. 1,
at 595-96.
House Managers’ counsel objected to a question by Respondent’s counsel on the
ground that it was asking for testimony that, absent the laying of an adequate
foundation, would be both incompetent and hearsay. The Chairman of the Senate

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CRS-22
Impeachment Trial Committee directed House Managers’ counsel to lay a better
foundation. S. Hrg. 99-812, Pt. 1, at 667.
House Managers’ counsel objected on hearsay grounds to a question by
Respondent’s counsel asking Respondent’s former secretary to state what the reason
or substance had been of Respondent’s call to the Chief Judge of the U.S. Court of
Appeals for the Ninth Circuit. The Respondent’s counsel argued that the testimony
sought went not to the truth of the communication, but rather to the accuracy of
House Managers’ counsel’s characterization of the Respondent’s cessation of
performance of his duties as a judge at the time of the indictment as quitting the
office, rather than as taking a leave of absence until the matter was resolved.
Respondent’s counsel offered to rephrase the question, and the Chairman of the
Senate Impeachment Trial Committee suggested that he do so. S. Hrg. 99-812, Pt.
1, at 696.
House Managers’ counsel objected on hearsay grounds and moved to strike the
answer to a question by Respondent’s counsel as to whether the witness would agree
with the characterization of the tax return he had prepared for Respondent as “an
abomination.” The witness had answered the previous question as to whether the
return had been characterized by others as “an abomination” by stating that it might
have been but that he did not remember the use of that specific term. The Chairman
of the Senate Impeachment Trial Committee allowed the witness’ answer to stand.
S. Hrg. 99-812, Pt. 1, at 761-62.
House Managers’ counsel objected to the admission of newspaper articles as
hearsay. The newspapers were admitted for the limited purpose of exploring Judge
Claiborne’s state of mind, not for the truth of what the newspapers contained;
Respondent’s counsel advised the Chairman of the Senate Impeachment Trial
Committee that he intended to examine Respondent on the matter of whether he had
read the newspaper articles and had been familiar with them at the time they were
published. S. Hrg. 99-812, Pt. 1, at 1171-72.
Respondent’s counsel objected on hearsay grounds to House Managers’
counsel’s proffer of a xeroxed copy of a document from the American College of
Trial Lawyers expelling Respondent from membership in the organization. Chairman
of the Senate Impeachment Trial Committee did not rule on the objection. Rather the
Chairman advised House Managers’ counsel to get a certified copy of the document
and offer it into evidence before the full Senate, to be ruled on there. S. Hrg. 99-812,
Pt. 1, at 1183-84.
Judge Louderback
The Presiding Officer overruled the Respondent’s counsel’s hearsay objection
to the witness’ answer. 77 Cong. Rec. 3415 (1933).
The Presiding Officer ruled the witness could answer the questions where he had
his own knowledge about the issue, despite counsel’s hearsay objection. 77 Cong.
Rec. 3450, 3524, 3525, 3532, 3534, 3535 (1933).

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CRS-23
The Presiding Officer overruled the hearsay objection by Respondent’s counsel
in view of the witness’ explanatory answer. 77 Cong. Rec. 3452 (1933).
The Respondent’s counsel’s objection to the witness’ answer as hearsay was
overruled by the Presiding Officer, since the answer was a part of the res gestae; and
although the Presiding Officer felt the answer was not closely related to the issue
(excessive receivership fees), he concluded that it was for the court (Senate) to
decide. 77 Cong. Rec. 3457 (1933).
The Presiding Officer sustained the Respondent’s counsel’s objection that the
witness was stating hearsay on the ground the witness had already testified to this
matter. 77 Cong. Rec. 3463 (1933).
The Presiding Officer sustained the hearsay objection, cautioning the House
Manager to demonstrate their allegations, or motions to strike testimony would be
entertained. 77 Cong. Rec. 3467 (1933).
The Presiding Officer found some merit in Respondent’s counsel’s objection to
hearsay and ordered the witness to directly answer the question, but would not strike
the testimony from the record. 77 Cong. Rec. 3620 (1933).
During the examination of the witness, the Presiding Officer overruled a hearsay
objection under the assumption that the House Managers would have further
questions that would lay the proper foundation. 77 Cong. Rec. 3621 (1933).
The objection by the Respondent’s counsel to testimony as hearsay was
overruled by the Presiding Officer, because the House Managers had to be given
latitude in their examination. 77 Cong. Rec. 3624 (1933).
The Presiding Officer overruled a hearsay objection by Respondent’s counsel,
because the witness’ testimony referred to the Respondent acting in his official
capacity. 77 Cong. Rec. 3633 (1933).
Judge Swayne
Counsel for Judge Swayne objected to hearsay testimony when a witness was
asked if he had ever heard an attorney complain of absence by the judge
from the district. The Senate sustained the objection, because the witness
was called to state what some other attorney may have said. 3 Hinds’ Precedents of
the House of Representatives §2230, 556, 557 (1907); citing 39 Cong. Rec. 2467
(1905).
The Presiding Officer sustained an objection to hearsay when the witness repeated a
conversation he had had with other people. 39 Cong. Rec. 2531 (1905).
Counsel for the Respondent objected to the witness “summing up” the testimony of
another person. The Presiding Officer sustained the objection by the Manager,
because a witness could only state what he knew of the subject matter. 39 Cong. Rec.
3043 (1905).

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CRS-24
The Presiding Officer ruled a self-serving statement by Judge Swayne was
admissible, because it was within res gestae, when offered to prove the statement was
made prior to any view of impeachment. 39 Cong. Rec. 3153 (1905). The same
statement was not within res gestae to prove the judge intended to reside in his
district. 3 Hinds’ Precedents of the House of Representatives §2239, 571-575
(1907); citing 39 Cong. Rec. 3145, 3146 (1905).

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CRS-25
X. Hypothetical Questions
Judge Hastings
Respondent’s counsel objected that a House Manager’s question on re-cross-
examination contained facts not in evidence. The Chairman characterized the
question as a hypothetical question and advised the witness that he might answer if
he had an opinion. The witness answered the question. Report of the Senate
Impeachment Trial Committee on the Articles Against Judge Alcee L. Hastings,
Hearings before the Senate Impeachment Trial Committee, United States Senate,
101 Cong., 1
st
st Sess., S. Hrg. 101-194, Pt. 2B at 1720-21 (1989) (hereinafter S. Hrg.
101-194, Pt. 2B).
Judge Claiborne
House Managers’ counsel objected to and moved to strike an expert witness’
response to a hypothetical question posed by Respondent’s counsel on the ground
that Respondent’s counsel had misstated the record in his hypothetical question.
Respondent’s counsel responded that it was a hypothetical question, and further that
it included no misstatements. The Chairman of the Senate Impeachment Trial
Committee overruled the objection and denied the motion to strike, noting that House
Managers’ counsel would have an opportunity to clarify on redirect. Report of the
Senate Impeachment Trial Committee, Hearings before the Senate Impeachment
Trial Committee, United States Senate, 99th Cong., 2d Sess., S. Hrg. 99-812, Pt. 1,
611-12 (1986).
Judge Ritter
The Presiding Officer permitted the use of hypothetical questions without
distinguishing between lay and expert witnesses. 80 Cong. Rec. 5337 (1936).
An objection raised by Respondent’s counsel to a hypothetical question posed
to a legal expert was overruled. The law of Florida on a particular point had been put
in issue by both parties, and since the witness understood the question, the Presiding
Officer thought it was an appropriate one. 80 Cong. Rec. 5240 (1936).

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CRS-26
XI. Lack of Foundation
Judge Hastings
Respondent’s counsel objected to the submission of evidence involving vouchers
unless another witness would be called. The House Manager stated that this witness
would appear and the Respondent’s counsel withdrew the objection. Report of the
Senate Impeachment Trial Committee on the Articles Against Judge Alcee L.
Hastings, Hearings before the Senate Impeachment Trial Committee, United States
Senate, 101 Cong., 1
st
Sess., S. Hrg. 101-194, Pt. 2A at 807 (1989) (hereinafter S.
st
Hrg. 101-194, Pt. 2A).
Judge Claiborne
Respondent’s counsel objected to a question by House Manager on the ground
that no foundation had been established to demonstrate that the witness was
competent to answer a question requiring knowledge of when the investigation of
Judge Claiborne began. No ruling on the objection was necessary, as House Manager
then asked a line of questions to establish that foundation. Report of the Senate
Impeachment Trial Committee, Hearings Before the Senate Impeachment Trial
Committee, United States Senate, 99th Cong., 2d Sess., S. Hrg. 99-812, Pt. 1, 539-40
(1986) (hereinafter S. Hrg. 99-812, Pt. 1).
House Managers’ counsel objected to a question by Respondent’s counsel on the
ground that no proper foundation for the question had been laid as to the identity of
the witness’ accountant and the time and place of the conversation with that
accountant which was the subject of the question. Objection sustained by Chairman
of the Senate Impeachment Trial Committee. The foundation was established. S. Hrg.
99-812, Pt. 1, at 659.
House Managers’ counsel objected to a question by Respondent’s counsel on the
ground that, unless the witness’ testimony could establish adequate foundation, the
question sought to elicit hearsay. Chairman of the Senate Impeachment Trial
Committee directed Respondent’s counsel to lay a better foundation for the question.
S. Hrg. 99-812, Pt. 1, at 667.
House Managers’ counsel objected to a question regarding conversations
between Respondent’s tax preparer and Judge Claiborne regarding a tax refund as
leading, without allowing the witness’ testimony to establish a proper foundation.
Chairman of the Senate Impeachment Trial Committee asked Respondent’s counsel
to lay a better foundation for the line of questions. S. Hrg. 99-812, Pt. 1, at 709-10.
Respondent’s counsel objected to a question by House Managers’ counsel to a
witness about conversations between the witness and her former employer regarding
policies on clients’ tax matters. The objection was premised on the failure of the
House Managers’ counsel to establish a foundation as to the time of the conversation.
Chairman of the Senate Impeachment Trial Committee directed the House Managers’
counsel to establish a foundation regarding the circumstances under which the
witness’ former employer made the statements attributed to him. S. Hrg. 99-812, Pt.

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CRS-27
1, at 824. Respondent’s counsel renewed his lack of foundation objection after a
series of questions. House Managers’ counsel countered his argument by stating that
the witness had just established the necessary foundation. The Chairman of the
Senate Impeachment Trial Committee appears to have agreed that the foundation had
been established so long as the House Managers’ counsel directed his questions to the
specific incident as to which the witness was testifying. The House Managers’
counsel did so explicitly in his next question. S. Hrg. 99-812, Pt. 1, at 824.
Judge Louderback
On cross-examination, the Presiding Officer overruled the improper foundation
objection by Respondent’s counsel regarding the witness’ billing. The Presiding
Officer felt the question was “competent, although, strictly speaking, perhaps it is
not.” 77 Cong. Rec. 3850 (1933). Respondent’s counsel later raised the same
objection to a similar question and it was sustained by the Presiding Officer. Id.
The Presiding Officer overruled an objection by respondent’s counsel, finding
proper foundation for the question from the allegations in the articles of impeachment.
77 Cong. Rec. 3614-15 (1933).
An objection by Respondent’s counsel to the improper showing of managerial
services rendered by the witness was sustained by the Presiding Officer. 77 Cong.
Rec. 3991 (1933).
Judge Swayne
The Presiding Officer sustained the objection to admitting evidence as to
poor prison conditions. Counsel for Judge Swayne objected because no foundation
was laid showing the judge was responsible for such conditions. 3 Hinds’ Precedents
of the House of Representatives §2283, 636, 637 (1907); citing 39 Cong. Rec. 2908
(1905). The Presiding Officer sustained an objection to admitting evidence of other
judges entering false certificates of expense. The House Manager objected because
no foundation was laid by alleging new facts to support evidence that other judges
had engaged in fraud. 3 Hinds’ Precedents of the House of Representatives §2277,
622-629 (1907), citing 39 Cong. Rec. 3169-74, 3176 (1905).

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CRS-28
XII. Lay Opinions
Judge Nixon
Respondent’s counsel objected to the House Manager’s question to the House
Managers’ witness because the House Manager asked whether he thought that the
Respondent helped to have a case involving the witness’ son be placed on the inactive
case docket. The Chairman sustained the objection. S. Hrg. 101-247, Pt. 2 at 55.
Judge Hastings
Respondent’s counsel asked a witness if it would be unusual for a witness to
claim in 1985 that his recollection was hazy about events and their timing in 1981.
The Chairman of the Senate Impeachment Trial Committee did not permit the
question and stated: “I do not think it requires an expert to testify on the question of
the length of time people remember. I think the committee is competent to make that
judgment without the aid of expert testimony.” Report of the Senate Impeachment
Trial Committee on the Articles Against Judge Alcee L. Hastings, Hearings before
the Senate Impeachment Trial Committee, United States Senate, 101 Cong., 1
st
st
Sess., S. Hrg. 101-194, Pt. 2A at 593 (hereafter S. Hrg. 101-194, Pt. 2A).
Respondent’s counsel objected to the House Manager asking Judge Hastings
when he was a witness about his theory of legal defense. The Chairman of the Senate
Impeachment Trial Committee sustained the objection stating: “We have the unusual
circumstance where the judge is also acting as his own attorney. . . . Obviously, if you
wish to ask him about any factual matter or opinion that the judge has, I think that is
appropriate.” S. Hrg. 101-194, Pt. 2A at 1292.
Judge Ritter
An objection by a House Manager to a lawyer’s opinion concerning the value of
a law practice was sustained since he was not competent to determine the value of a
law business. 80 Cong. Rec. 5365-66 (1936).
Judge Swayne
Counsel for Judge Swayne objected to the question of whether the witness
thought the judge was a resident. The objection was sustained because residency was
a question of law and fact and could not be determined by the opinion of lay
witnesses. 3 Hinds’ Precedents of the House of Representatives §2253, 591, 592;
citing 39 Cong. Rec. 2394 (1905).
The Presiding Officer allowed the opinion testimony of a witness as to whether
Judge Swayne seemed angry or resentful during a contempt proceeding. 39 Cong.
Rec. 2626 (1905).
A witness was not allowed to testify to an impression made on his mind by the
judge. The Presiding Officer stated a witness is only entitled to testify as to facts. 39
Cong. Rec. 3049 (1905).

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CRS-29
XIII. Leading Questions
Judge Nixon
Respondent’s counsel objected to the House Managers’ counsel question to the
House Managers’ witness on redirect examination since counsel considered the
question as leading because it began with the phrase, “Isn’t fair to say.” House
Managers’ counsel did not proceed further with the question and the Chairman did
not state a ruling on the objection. Report of the Senate Impeachment Trial
Committee, Hearings before the Senate Impeachment Trial Committee, United States
Senate, 101 Cong.,
st
1st Sess., S. Hrg. 101-247, Pt. 2 at 44 (hereinafter S. Hrg. 101-
247, Pt. 2).
Respondent’s counsel objected to the House Manager’s question to the House
Managers’ witness as leading because it began with, “Is it fair to say.” The Chairman
permitted the witness to answer the question. S. Hrg. 101-247, Pt. 2 at 47.
Respondent’s counsel objected to the House Manager’s question to a House
Managers’ witness as leading because it asked whether the House Manager’s
statement about the witness’ prior testimony was correct. The Chairman overruled the
objection stating that the hearing was not in a court of law and that Respondent’s
counsel had the opportunity to cross-examine the witness. S. Hrg. 101-247, Pt 2 at
48.
Respondent’s counsel objected to the House Manager’s question starting with,
“Did you call,” to the House Managers’ witness as leading. The Chairman sustained
the objection, instructing the House Manager to try not to lead the witness. S. Hrg.
101-247, Pt. 2 at 52-53.
Respondent’s counsel objected to the House Manager’s question asking whether
it was correct that the House Managers’ witness discussed his son at his meeting with
the Respondent. The Chairman sustained the objection. S. Hrg. 101-247, Pt. 2 at 55.
Judge Hastings
Respondent’s counsel objected to a question by House Managers that there was
little doubt in anyone’s mind regarding the possession of cash. Respondent’s counsel
noted that the question was leading. The question was withdrawn. Report of the
Senate Impeachment Trial Committee on the Articles Against Judge Alcee L.
Hastings, Hearings before the Senate Impeachment Trial Committee, United States
Senate, 101 Cong., 1
st
Sess., S. Hrg. 101-194, Pt. 2A at 28 (hereafter S. Hrg. 101-
st
194, Pt. 2A).
Respondent’s counsel objected to a question by a House Manager regarding
further discussion about a “deal” stating that there had been no testimony regarding
whether there was a “deal” and that this was leading and assumed facts not in
evidence. The question was rephrased. S. Hrg. 101-194, Pt. 2A at 80-81.

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CRS-30
Respondent’s counsel objected to a line of questions where the House Managers
stated facts and asked if they were correct. The Chairman of the Senate Impeachment
Trial Committee asked House managers to “try not to lead the witness quite so
obviously....” S. Hrg. 101-194, Pt. 2A at 258.
Respondent’s counsel objected to the form of questions by the House Managers
in which a statement of fact was prefaced by the phrase: “Does that mean to you that
this is . . . ?” The question was rephrased and the Chairman of the Senate
Impeachment Trial Committee stated that the witness could respond to the revised
question. S. Hrg. 101-194, Pt. 2A at 418.
Respondent’s counsel objected to a question that asked further details when the
witness said she could not recall. The Chairman of the Senate Impeachment Trial
Committee asked House Managers to rephrase the question. S. Hrg. 101-194, Pt. 2A
at 511.
Respondent’s counsel objected to a question that he characterized as suggesting
an answer. The Chairman of the Senate Impeachment Trial Committee asked the
House Managers to rephrase the question. S. Hrg. 101-194, Pt. 2A at 518.
Respondent’s counsel objected to a question asking the witness if the respondent
had said that he was expecting anyone to be joining them. The Chairman of the
Senate Impeachment Trial Committee overruled the objection. S. Hrg. 101-194, Pt.
2A at 519.
Respondent’s counsel objected to a question concerning Judge Hastings’
familiarity with the hotel dining areas. The Chairman of the Senate Impeachment
Trial Committee asked the House Managers to restate the question. S. Hrg. 101-194,
Pt. 2A at 520.
Respondent’s counsel objected to a question attempting to summarize the
witnesses statement. The Chairman of the Senate Impeachment Trial Committee
sustained the objection to the extent that it was an objection on the basis that the
question was leading. The question was permitted if rephrased. S. Hrg. 101-194, Pt.
2A at 539.
Respondent’s counsel objected to a question stating information and asking
about its truth. The House Manager told the Chairman that “a leading question is one
in which you elicit not previously elicited facts by virtue of the counselor asking the
information. These facts have been in evidence now for a week.” The Chairman of
the Senate Impeachment Trial Committee sustained the objection and stated: “the
objection that the question was leading is well-taken. If you could ask the witness a
question before stating all the facts in each question, I think that would help him to
testify as to what he recalls.” S. Hrg. 101-194, Pt. 2A at 616.
Respondent’s counsel objected to a question that asked the witness to
acknowledge that his trial testimony was different than that at the hearing. The
Chairman of the Senate Impeachment Trial Committee sustained the objection
observing that the question “has been asked and answered in several forms.” S. Hrg.
101-194, Pt. 2A at 638.

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CRS-31
The House Manager objected to a question asking the witness whether he
remembered a particular tape. The Chairman of the Senate Impeachment Trial
Committee sustained the objection stating: “If counsel would ask the witness what he
recalls about particular statements or incidents, I think that would be better than
recounting to him precisely what the evidence is that counsel would like to have
testified to.” S. Hrg. 101-194, Pt. 2A at 1303.

Judge Claiborne
Respondent’s counsel objected to a question by a House Manager regarding
whether the total amount of time the witness had devoted to the case included time
waiting for a grand jury and time waiting in a courtroom, because of the leading and
suggestive nature of the question. Respondent’s counsel noted that this was redirect
examination. The House Manager rephrased the question. Report of the Senate
Impeachment Trial Committee, Hearings before the Senate Impeachment Trial
Committee, United States Senate, 99th Cong., 2d Sess., S. Hrg. 99-812, Pt. 1, 577
(1986) (hereinafter S. Hrg. 99-812, Pt. 1).
House Managers’ counsel objected to a line of questions by Respondent’s
counsel regarding whether the witness ever discussed the subject of burglaries of his
office with Government agents investigating Judge Claiborne on the ground that
Respondent’s counsel was leading the witness. Respondent’s counsel argued that this
was not a friendly witness and asked for leeway in the examination. The Chairman
of the Senate Impeachment Trial Committee overruled the objection, but cautioned
Respondent’s counsel that he did call the witness and asked Respondent’s counsel to
“take due precautions” if he felt that this was an adverse witness. S. Hrg. 99-812, Pt.
1, at 654-55.
House Managers’ counsel objected to a question dealing with the date of a series
of burglaries of an office building where witness worked at the time in question on the
ground that it was a leading question. Chairman of the Senate Impeachment Trial
Committee asked Respondent’s counsel to rephrase the question. S. Hrg. 99-812, Pt.
1, at 665.
House Managers’ counsel objected to a line of questioning by Respondent’s
counsel regarding the delivery of a letter and a check from Judge Claiborne to Jay
Wright on the ground that Respondent’s counsel was leading the witness. The
Chairman of the Senate Impeachment Trial Committee directed Respondent’s counsel
to rephrase the question by asking the witness “what she was given.” S. Hrg. 99-812,
Pt. 1, at 675-76.
House Managers’ counsel objected to a question by Respondent’s counsel
directed to the witness’ state of mind at the time she testified in Judge Claiborne’s
criminal trials on the ground that Respondent’s counsel was “leading the witness in
areas critical in impeachment of that witness.” Chairman of the Senate Impeachment
Trial Committee asked Respondent’s counsel to rephrase the question. S. Hrg. 99-
812, Pt. 1, at 696-97.
House Managers’ counsel objected to a line of questioning directed to Mr.
Watson regarding Judge Claiborne’s tax refund on the ground that Respondent’s

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CRS-32
counsel was leading the witness. The Chairman of the Senate Impeachment Trial
Committee suggested that Respondent’s counsel lay a better foundation for his
questions. S. Hrg. 99-812, Pt. 1, at 709-10.
House Managers’ counsel objected to a question regarding the witness’ business
on the ground that Respondent’s counsel was leading the witness. Respondent’s
counsel countered on the theory that this was an adverse witness. The Chairman of
the Senate Impeachment Trial Committee directed Respondent’s counsel to phrase
his questions in a manner that avoided the problem of leading the witness. S. Hrg. 99-
812, Pt. 1, at 755.
On redirect examination of a witness, House Managers’ counsel objected to the
form of Respondent’s counsel’s questions to the witness as leading questions.
Respondent’s counsel argued that it was necessary to present testimony from Judge
Claiborne’s tax preparer in order for the Senate Impeachment Trial Committee to
know how the return was prepared, but that the witness was not “his witness.” He
asked that he be permitted to “question the tax preparer in a significant manner.” The
Chairman allowed the Respondent’s counsel to continue with his line of questioning,
but cautioned him to “keep within such reasonable bounds that you are not providing
dictation for the witness. . . . We want to hear the witness’ answers, not your
answers.” S. Hrg. 99-812, Pt. 1, at 773.
Respondent’s counsel requested permission, in advance, to question a witness
as a hostile witness. House Manager argued that the time to ask this was when the
witness’ testimony demonstrated that he was hostile. The Chairman of the Senate
Impeachment Trial Committee granted Respondent’s counsel’s request, but cautioned
Respondent’s counsel that the Chairman “would keep [him] under very close
surveillance.” S. Hrg. 99-812, Pt. 1, at 848.
Judge Ritter
The Presiding Officer declined to rule on an objection to what Respondent’s
counsel claimed to be a leading question because the Manager had not finished asking
the question. 80 Cong. Rec. 5065 (1936).
The Presiding Officer declined to rule on an objection to a question on redirect
that was said to be leading and suggestive since the question had already been
answered. The answer was permitted to stand. 80 Cong. Rec. 5240 (1936).
Judge Louderback
The House manager objected to a question as leading, but the Presiding Officer
permitted the witness to answer. However, the Respondent’s counsel withdrew and
reframed the question. 77 Cong. Rec. 3790 (1933).
The Respondent’s counsel sought to lead a witness because of his physical
condition (age and cerebral arteriosclerosis), but the Vice President sustained the
objection, although sympathetic to the situation. 77 Cong. Rec. 3845, 3849 (1933).

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CRS-33
The House Manager objected to both the line of questioning and the testimony
of a witness regarding assets of a corporation in bankruptcy on the ground that the
questions were leading questions. The Presiding Officer overruled the objection and
permitted the answer but stated that further questions along this line would be subject
to objection by House Managers. 77 Cong. Rec. 3874 (1933).
The Presiding Officer believed the witness, Judge Louderback, was too
intelligent to be led by his counsel. However, the Presiding Officer did warn counsel
to refrain from such actions. 77 Cong. Rec. 3977 (1933).
Judge Swayne
The Presiding Officer stated that neither the House Managers nor Counsel for
the Respondent should ask leading questions when examining his witness. 39 Cong.
Rec. 2626, 3043 (1905).
The Presiding Officer sustained an objection to the Manager leading his witness,
however the answer of the witness was allowed to stand. 39 Cong. Rec. 2624 (1905).
Counsel asked the Manager not to lead his witness “quite so much.” The
Presiding Officer did not rule, so the answer was allowed to stand. 39 Cong. Rec.
2467 (1905).
When Counsel for the Respondent objected to leading questions, the Manager
replied he was simply bringing the attention of the witness to what he testified to
earlier. The Presiding Officer allowed the question. 39 Cong. Rec. 2393 (1905).

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CRS-34
XIV. Prior Inconsistent Statements Used to Impeach
Witness
Judge Nixon
Respondent’s counsel objected to the House Manager’s request to admit into
evidence affidavits which would impeach the Respondent’s testimony through use of
a prior inconsistent statement. The affiants asserted that the Respondent had to know
that a company in which he had an interest had a case before him. The affidavits were
placed into evidence during the House proceedings with the agreement of both
parties. The Chairman sustained the objection because the Respondent’s testimony
addressed the issue the affidavits raised. The Respondent testified that he knew that
the company had cases before him but he did not spot them. Report of the Senate
Impeachment Trial Committee, Hearings before the Senate Impeachment Trial
Committee, United States Senate, 101 Cong., 1
st
Sess., S. Hrg. 101-247, Pt. 2 a
st
t
318-19 (hereinafter S. Hrg. 101-247, Pt. 2).
Judge Claiborne
Respondent’s counsel used prior trial testimony of the witness, Mr. Wright, with
regard to figures reported on Judge Claiborne’s tax return as prior inconsistent
statements for impeachment purposes. House Managers’ counsel objected to the
form of the questions used by Respondent’s counsel to impeach the witness using this
prior testimony. The Chairman of the Senate Impeachment Trial Committee sustained
the objection. Report of the Senate Impeachment Trial Committee, Hearings before
the Senate Impeachment Trial Committee, United States Senate, 99th Cong., 2d
Sess., S. Hrg. 99-812, Pt. 1, 574-75 (1986) (hereinafter S. Hrg. 99-812, Pt. 1).
House Managers’ counsel used prior court testimony as prior inconsistent
statements to impeach a witness. Respondent’s counsel objected to one aspect of the
use of this testimony. The witness clarified her response, and Respondent’s counsel
withdrew his objection. S. Hrg. 99-812, Pt. 1, at 681-86, 695.
House Managers’ counsel used prior trial testimony as prior inconsistent
statements for impeachment purposes in cross-examination of Judge Claiborne. S.
Hrg. 99-812, Pt. 1, at 973-74, 975-76, 983-84, 1013, 1179-80. In regard to one such
use of the prior trial testimony, Respondent’s counsel objected on the grounds that
it did not impeach, it was not a prior consistent statement, and it had nothing to do
with the witness’ testimony. The Chairman of the Senate Impeachment Trial
Committee permitted House Managers’ counsel to continue if he was prepared to
make the record perfectly clear on this point. S. Hrg. 99-812, Pt. 1, at 975-76.
Judge Swayne
Counsel for Judge Swayne was allowed to impeach a witness for prior
inconsistent testimony. 39 Cong. Rec. 2716, 2717 (1905).

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CRS-35
XV. Refreshing Witness’ Recollection
Judge Nixon
Respondent’s counsel objected to the House Manager showing a telephone
record to refresh the Respondent’s memory because the Respondent already stated
that he did not remember where he was on the date shown on the telephone record.
The Chairman allowed the House Manager to show the telephone record to the
Respondent but said that he did not see the relevancy of the questioning as the
Respondent stated that he did not remember where he was. Report of the Senate
Impeachment Trial Committee, Hearings before the Senate Impeachment Trial
Committee, United States Senate, 101 Cong., 1
st
st Sess., S. Hrg. 101-247, Pt. 2 at 257
(hereinafter S. Hrg. 101-247, Pt. 2).
Respondent’s counsel objected to the House Manager showing the testifying
Respondent a document not introduced into evidence. The House Manager stated that
the evidence was found to be useful in rebuttal and was discovered after testimony.
The Chairman allowed the House Manager to present the document to the
Respondent to determine whether the Respondent’s memory was revived. S. Hrg
101-247, Pt. 2 at 257-58.
Judge Claiborne
House Managers’ counsel used prior trial testimony of the Respondent to refresh
his recollection on cross-examination. Report of the Senate Impeachment Trial
Committee, Hearings before the Senate Impeachment Trial Committee, United States
Senate, 99th Cong., 2d Sess., S. Hrg. 99-812, Pt. 1, 1011 (1986) (hereinafter S. Hrg.
99-812, Pt. 1). Respondent’s counsel objected, arguing that this was an improper use
of and characterization of the prior testimony. Respondent’s counsel contended that
the witness should be allowed to see the transcript of the prior testimony to refresh
his recollection. House Managers’ counsel rephrased the question without conceding
that the prior question was inappropriate, and let the witness see the transcript. S.
Hrg. 99-812, Pt. 1, at 1011.
Respondent’s counsel objected to the manner in which a document which
belonged to another witness was being used to impeach Judge Claiborne when he was
a witness. House Managers’ counsel argued that the document was not being used
to impeach the witness, but rather to refresh the witness’ recollection. Respondent’s
counsel had no objection to the document’s use for this purpose, but objected to the
manner in which it was being used to this purpose. The Chairman of the Senate
Impeachment Trial Committee did not rule directly on the objection, but he suggested
that it should be determined how much Judge Claiborne’s recollection had been
refreshed by reviewing the document. S. Hrg. 99-812, Pt. 1, at 1014.
Judge Ritter
The Presiding Officer sustained the objection made by a Manager that a
memorandum could not be used to refresh the recollection of a witness who had

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CRS-36
independent knowledge of a matter and who was to testify on the basis of his
independent memory. 80 Cong. Rec. 5361 (1936).
A witness, who was an attorney, was asked whether he had attended various
hearings in a civil suit. He was allowed to refresh his recollection by reviewing a
lengthy list of court documents in the case. The Presiding Officer presented to the
Court the question of whether the witness would be allowed the 20 or 30 minutes that
he estimated he would need to thoroughly examine the list. The Court did not want
to delay the proceedings and refused to grant the witness the time that he needed but
permitted him to (a) examine the list that evening and (b) to be recalled. 80 Cong.
Rec. 5056-58 (1936).
Judge Louderback
The Presiding Officer overruled an objection by a House Manager to
respondent’s counsel’s effort to refresh a witness’ memory. 77 Cong. Rec. 3462,
3615, 3619 (1933).
The Presiding Officer permitted a House Manager to refresh a witness’ memory
by showing him certain papers. 77 Cong. Rec. 3981-82 (1933).
Judge Swayne
The Presiding Officer thought it was proper to object to counsel for the
Respondent questioning a witness on a letter without refreshing his recollection.
However, the answer of the witness was allowed to stand. 39 Cong. Rec. 2779
(1905).

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CRS-37
XVI. Relevancy or Materiality
Judge Nixon
Respondent’s counsel objected to wording of the transcript read by the House
Managers’ witness because the word “to” was left out but was included on the
Articles of Impeachment. The House Manager’s counsel stated that the Judge
stipulated to the accuracy of the transcript. The Chairman noted the objection and
stated both counsel would be able to argue the relevancy of the word “to”. Report
of the Senate Impeachment Trial Committee, Hearings before the Senate
Impeachment Trial Committee, United States Senate, 101 Cong., 1
st
Sess., S. Hrg.
st
101-247, Pt. 2 at 23-24 (hereinafter S. Hrg. 101-247, Pt. 2).
The Chairman raised his own objection to Respondent’s counsel question to the
House Managers’ witness on cross examination regarding a conversation about the
sale of oil interests to Respondent. The Chairman reasoned that the question was not
relevant to the Articles of Impeachment as charged. The Chairman stated that he did
not want to limit Respondent counsel’s questions and urged counsel to continue with
another question. S. Hrg. 101-247, Pt. 2 at 35.
Respondent’s counsel objected to the relevancy of the House Manager’s
question to the House Managers’ witness concerning the possible costs of the oil
wells the Respondent bought. The Chairman sustained the objection because the
questions of cost were not relevant to the Articles of Impeachment as charged. S.
Hrg. 101-247, Pt. 2 at 50.
The Chairman raised his own objection on relevancy grounds for Respondent
counsel’s questions concerning whether the House Managers’ witness or the Federal
Government decided to indict Wiley Fairchild’s son. The Chairman stated that he did
not want to limit counsel in his cross-examination but he did not see how the line of
questioning Respondent’s counsel was pursuing was relevant to the Articles of
Impeachment as charged. The Chairman urged counsel to continue with another
question. S. Hrg. 101-247, Pt. 2 at 121.
Senator Reid objected to the relevancy of Respondent counsel’s questions to the
House Managers’ witness concerning a different case than the one involved in the
Articles of Impeachment as charged. The Chairman ruled that counsel should try to
ask questions relevant to the Articles of Impeachment as charged. S. Hrg. 101-247,
Pt. 2 at 124.
Respondent’s counsel objected to the House Manager’s questions to the House
Managers’ witness about the business relationships with the Respondent. The
Chairman overruled the objection because Respondent’s counsel conducted a
searching examination of the witness concerning the business relationships with the
Respondent. The House Manager had a right to establish what the witness knows
about the Respondent’s business relationships. S. Hrg. 101-247, Pt. 2 at 161.

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CRS-38
The Chairman advised the House Manager questioning the House Managers’
witness about an issue tangential to the Articles of Impeachment to conclude such
questions quickly. S. Hrg. 101-247, Pt. 2 at 163.
The Vice-Chairman advised Respondent’s counsel that the relevant issue was
character of the Respondent not the reversal rate of the Respondent’s cases. S. Hrg.
101-247, Pt. 2 at 210.
Judge Hastings
Respondent’s counsel objected to a question by a House Manager asking a
witness whether he expected the judge in a case to sentence certain individuals stating
that, “Mr. Deichert’s expectations strike me as a matter of irrelevance and improper.”
The objection was overruled by the Chairman of the Senate Impeachment Trial
Committee. Report of the Senate Impeachment Trial Committee on the Articles
Against Judge Alcee L. Hastings, Hearings before the Senate Impeachment Trial
Committee, United States Senate, 101 Cong., 1
st
Sess., S. Hrg. 101-194, Pt. 2A at
st
32 (hereinafter S. Hrg. 101-194, Pt. 2A).
Respondent’s counsel objected to a question stating: “Why Mr. Deichert was
surprised, it does not strike me bears on the issue in this case. We are moving into
a fairly central area in that the question is was Judge Hastings surprised? What was
his motivation? Whether Mr. Deichert was surprised, whether another prosecutor
would have been surprised, this witness’s state of mind is not at issue in this case.
This is speculation and it is improper.” The House Manager replied that the witness
“would be expected to have a depth of knowledge about these matters, and his
opinion as an expert would be relevant to this hearing.” The Chairman of the Senate
Impeachment Trial Committee overruled the objection. S. Hrg. 101-194, Pt. 2A at
32-33.
Respondent’s counsel objected to a question asking for the witness’s reaction
to an order. The House Manager responded that “if you follow the line of questioning
that I have, it will become very important as to what his reaction as an expert on these
matters was.” The Chairman of the Senate Impeachment Trial Committee overruled
the objection. S. Hrg. 101-194, Pt. 2A at 40.
Respondent’s counsel objected to a question regarding a system of talking over
the telephone alleging that the relevance had not yet been established. The Chairman
of the Senate Impeachment Trial Committee overruled the objection. S. Hrg 101-194,
Pt. 2A at 81-82.
A House Manager objected to a line of questioning relating to a resolution
introduced before the Board of Directors of the National Association of Criminal
Defense Lawyers suggesting that the matter against Judge Hastings be ended.
Respondent’s counsel argued that the House Manager had opened the door for this
questioning when he asked about reading the accounts. The House Manager argued
that a copy of the resolution could be introduced but that “it has not at this time been
established that it has any probative value whatsoever.” The Chairman of the Senate
Impeachment Trial Committee overruled the objection after the Respondent’s counsel

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CRS-39
stated that he would introduce the resolution into evidence. S. Hrg. 101-194, Pt. 2A
at 214-15.
Respondent’s counsel objected to the introduction of the transcript of hearings
from a judicial decision stating “I am not quite sure how Mr. Trafficante comes into
the case at this stage or what the relevance of this not thin transcript is to the question
of whether there was something going on with the Romanos.” The Chairman of the
Senate Impeachment Trial Committee thought the point was well taken and asked the
House Manager to explain the relevance of the evidence. The House Manager argued
that it was necessary to indicate that the case was ongoing and active. The Chairman
of the Senate Impeachment Trial Committee asked the Respondent’s counsel to
stipulate to those facts and denied the admission of the evidence. S. Hrg. 101-194,
Pt. 2A at 237-238.
The Respondent’s counsel objected to a question asking a witness whether it
would make sense for an individual to take money from Mr. Trafficante knowing he
could not make good on a promise arguing that, “I have a sense that a grease paint
brush of matters that were not alleged in the Articles of Impeachment are now being
opened up, and this somehow is becoming a charge that there was a conspiracy with
respect to Mr. Trafficante that implicates Judge Hastings, when it (sic) point of fact
that was not alleged by the House in its Articles.” The House Manager argued that
the respondent’s case depends upon a characterization of William Borders and the
question goes to whether the respondent’s characterization of him as a ‘rainmaker’
makes any sense. The Chairman of the Senate Impeachment Trial Committee
overruled the objection. S. Hrg. 101-194, Pt. 2A at 241-242.
The Respondent’s counsel objected to the admission of the entire appointment
book on the grounds that the relevant pages had already been admitted. The House
Manager responded that he was seeking to have the entire book admitted since the
Respondent’s counsel had previously objected to the admission of single pages. The
Chairman of the Senate Impeachment Trial Committee noted that the relevant pages
had already been admitted and sustained the objection on those grounds. S. Hrg. 101-
194, Pt. 2A at 356.
The House Manager objected to the admission of a telex on grounds of relevance
but withdrew the objection after Respondent’s counsel explained that it was being
offered to show that, “Dredge told the Government what he would do, what he
wouldn’t do, and he did not do what they wanted him to.” S. Hrg. 101-194, Pt. 2A
at 370.
The House Manager objected to the admission of a telex on the grounds of
relevance but withdrew the objection after Respondent’s counsel explained that it was
being offered to show that, “Dredge was running this show, not the Government.”
S. Hrg. 101-194, Pt. 2A at 371.
The House Manager objected to the admission of a telex on the grounds of
relevance but withdrew the objection after Respondent’s counsel explained that it was
being offered to show that, “there was information that persons knew the contents of
the October 5 order prior to its issuing, and that Mr. Murphy knew that.” S. Hrg
101-194, Pt. 2A at 373.

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CRS-40
The House Manager asked for clarification of the relevance of a telex and upon
explanation raised no objection. S. Hrg. 101-194, Pt. 2A at 377.
The House Manager objected to a question concerning the witness’s awareness
of complaints from prosecutors about unfairness. The Chairman of the Senate
Impeachment Trial Committee overruled the objection. S. Hrg. 101-194, Pt. 2A at
387.
Respondent’s counsel objected to the admission of evidence relating to phone
bills on the grounds of relevance. The House Manager stated that the relevance of
the evidence would be established by testimony. The Chairman of the Senate
Impeachment Trial Committee overruled the objection. S. Hrg. 101-194, Pt. 2A at
503-04.
Respondent’s counsel objected to the admission of evidence relating to message
logs, stating that they were not relevant. The House Manager stated that the
relevance would be established by testimony. The Chairman of the Senate
Impeachment Trial Committee overruled the objection. S. Hrg. 101-194, Pt. 2A at
505-06.
Respondent’s counsel objected to a question asking the expert witness in how
many cases his testimony had been excluded from evidence. The Chairman of the
Senate Impeachment Trial Committee overruled the objection noting that “this goes
to the weight the committee wishes to give to the witness’ testimony.” S. Hrg. 101-
194, Pt. 2A at 533.
Respondent’s counsel objected to a question and answer concerning the
capacities in which the witness had been involved in legal matters. The Chairman of
the Senate Impeachment Trial Committee overruled the objection. S. Hrg. 101-194,
Pt. 2A at 685.
Respondent’s counsel objected to the admission of an Eastern Airlines time table
as evidence on grounds of relevance. The House Manager stated that this was how
they were to prove when a flight was scheduled. The Respondent’s counsel argued
that absent a showing that Judge Hastings knew of the schedule, it was irrelevant and
it showed flights to Miami when Judge Hastings went to Fort Lauderdale. The
Chairman of the Senate Impeachment Trial Committee sustained the objection on the
grounds that the fact of the time of the flight leaving was already in the record. S.
Hrg. 101-194, Pt. 2A at 753-54.
Respondent’s counsel objected to the introduction of three exhibits relating to
reports of an FBI agent’s investigation, a diagram of the third floor of the courthouse,
and subscriber information relating to a pay telephone on grounds of relevance. The
Chairman of the Senate Impeachment Trial Committee overruled the objections. S.
Hrg. 101-194, Pt. 2A at 1010.
Respondent’s counsel objected to the statements of a witness referring to what
a dead man said on the grounds of relevance and hearsay. The Chairman of the
Senate Impeachment Trial Committee overruled the objection. S. Hrg. 101-194, Pt.
2A at 1091.

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CRS-41
The House Manager questioned the relevance of the admission of an article on
the work of the Florida southern district court. Respondent’s counsel argued that the
workload of the court was relevant in determining the significance of other evidence.
The Chairman of the Senate Impeachment Trial Committee overruled the objection.
S. HRG. 101-194, Pt. 2A at 1245-46.
The House Manager questioned the relevance of statistics on the workload of
various federal courts compared to the Florida southern district court. The Chairman
of the Senate Impeachment Trial Committee overruled the objection. S. Hrg. 101-
194, Pt. 2A at 1246.
The House Manager objected to a question to Judge King asking about a trial
he presided over, stating it was irrelevant. Respondent’s counsel argued that in this
trial the lawyer was charged with having falsely attempted to influence the outcome
of the trial. The Chairman of the Senate Impeachment Trial Committee sustained the
objection stating that, “I think the committee can take notice of the fact that there are
allegations made against judges and public officials in all positions which prove to be
groundless. . . . unless this is in some way related to the case, I will sustain the
objection.” The Chairman stated that questions relating in general to the extent of the
problem would be admissible. S. Hrg. 101-194, Pt. 2A at 1248-49.
Respondent’s counsel objected, on grounds of irrelevance and speculation, to a
witness being asked if he had leaked an undercover operation to someone would he
expect his career at the FBI to be over . The Chairman of the Senate Impeachment
Trial Committee overruled the objection. S. Hrg. 101-194, Pt. 2A at 1320.
The House Manager objected to the introduction of a record kept of a telex on
grounds of relevance and the fact that the witness did not author it. The
Respondent’s counsel argued that the document showed that Mr. Borders had been
involved in “scamming persons by representing he had the power to influence Federal
judges, including judges other than Alcee Hastings.” The Chairman of the Senate
Impeachment Trial Committee overruled the objection. S. Hrg. 101-194, Pt. 2A at
1356-58.
House Managers’ counsel objected to the relevancy of questions directed to
Respondent/witness by his counsel concerning draft documents prepared by the
Respondent while a judge. In response to the relevancy objection, Respondent’s
counsel argued that the manner and character of the witness’s practice of writing
drafts had been raised as an issue. The Chairman overruled the objection with the
observation that objections (that the documents were short, undated and that the
witness could not testify as to where or when they were written) went to the weight
of the evidence. S. HRG. 101-194, Pt.2B at 2256.
House Managers’ counsel objected to the relevancy of the Respondent judge’s
docket that the Respondent’s counsel sought to introduce. Respondent’s counsel
indicated that he only sought to introduce a few pages demonstrating the respondent
judge’s workload at the time of the alleged misconduct with which he was charged.
The Chairman sustained the objection with the observation that the Committee might
be receptive to introduction of the relevant pages. S. HRG. 99-812, Pt.2B at 2287-
288. The House Managers’ counsel subsequently objected when Respondent offered

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CRS-42
the first nine pages of the docket to show his busy workload. The Chair overruled the
objection with the observation that when the Articles were framed to make the
Respondent’s hurried pattern of activity an issue they made evidence of other
explanations for the Respondent’s hurried activities relevant. S. HRG. 101-194,
Pt.2B at 2303-88.
House Managers’ counsel objected to the relevancy of the Respondent’s
counsel’s question to Respondent/witness as to his reaction to the fact that
information about his case was widely reported in the media. Respondent’s counsel
argued that it related to improper leaks by the government and was relevant to an
explanation of the Respondent judge attitude towards FBI agents who subsequently
interviewed him. The Chairman overruled the objection. S. HRG. 101-194, Pt.2B at
2290.
House Managers’ counsel objected on relevancy grounds to the admission of the
defense counsel’s closing argument in the Respondent’s prior criminal trial.
Respondent’s counsel argued it was relevant for, although the Senate was not bound
by the jury’s verdict, it had been asked to replicate the jury’s task. The Chairman
admitted the closing argument into evidence; he refused Respondent’s counsel’s
request that the entire transcript of the criminal trial be admitted, but instructed that
it be made available to any Senate members who should wish to examine it. S. HRG.
101-194, Pt.2B at 2493-94, 2496-97.
Judge Claiborne
On Sept. 11, 1986, the House of Representatives filed a “Motion in limine to
Exclude Irrelevant Evidence Proffered by Judge Harry E. Claiborne.” This motion
was taken under advisement on Sept. 15, 1986. Report of the Senate Impeachment
Trial Committee, Hearings before the Senate Impeachment Trial Committee, United
States Senate, 99th Cong. 2d Sess., S. Hrg. 99-812, Pt. 1, 471 (1986) (hereinafter S.
Hrg. 99-812, Pt. 1). On Sept. 17, 1986, the Chairman of the Senate Impeachment
Trial Committee announced his ruling on this motion. He observed that he had
previously held on Sept. 10, 1986, that Respondent would be limited to no more than
10 character witnesses. S. Hrg. 99-812, Pt. 1, at 115-16. The Chairman announced
that with regard to the issue of whether Government agents had influenced witnesses
who would be appearing before the Committee or before the full Senate, testimony
from two specified Government agents, one from the FBI and one from the IRS, and
from two of Respondent’s witnesses would be heard. The motion in limine was
granted in all other respects, subject to the Respondent’s right to renew his
application for specific additional subpoenas, if warranted in light of testimony of any
witnesses appearing before the Committee. In addition, the Chairman noted that the
Respondent would be free to move, after the conclusion of the Committee
proceedings, that the full Senate permit the testimony of additional witnesses. S. Hrg.
99-812, Pt. 1, at 689-92. On Oct. 7, 1986, Senator Dole moved that the Senate not
hear additional witnesses in this case. The Senate agreed to this motion by a roll call
vote the same day. Proceedings of the United States Senate in the Impeachment
Trial of Harry E. Claiborne, A Judge of the United States District Court for the
District of Nevada, 99th Cong., 2d Sess., S. Doc. 99-48, 155-56 (1987) (hereinafter
S. Doc. 99-48).

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CRS-43
Respondent’s counsel objected to a motion by a House Manager to admit House
Exhibit 34, Respondent’s 1978 tax return, into evidence on the ground that the 1978
tax return was irrelevant and immaterial since 1978 was not one of the years in
question under the articles. The House Manager argued that the document was
relevant because it bore upon the writeoff of certain items from Respondent’s law
practice which were at issue in the case. The Chairman of the Senate Impeachment
Trial Committee overruled the objection. S. Hrg. 99-812, Pt. 1, at 536-37.
Respondent’s counsel objected to admission of House Exhibit 35, a page from
the witness’ diary and time record of Saturday, April 5, 1980, on the grounds of
relevance and materiality. A House Manager argued that a proper foundation for its
admission had been made as a business record and that certain entries on the page
were relevant to the case. The Chairman of the Senate Impeachment Trial Committee
overruled the objection. S. Hrg. 99-812, Pt. 1, at 544.
Respondent’s counsel objected to the admission of House Exhibit 38, a form
2119 for the sale or exchange of a principal residence of Respondent for 1980, on the
ground that it was outside the scope of the articles. A House Manager argued that
the exhibit went to the issue of the amount Respondent claimed as income in 1979 and
1980 and how accurate that claimed amount was. The Chairman of the Senate
Impeachment Trial Committee overruled the objection. S. Hrg. 99-812, Pt. 1, at 597-
98.
House Managers’ counsel objected on relevancy grounds to a question by
Respondent’s counsel as to the cross-checking of the witness’ tax return with
Respondent’s tax return by their accountant, noting that this same subject matter had
been excluded by Judge Hoffman in Judge Claiborne’s second criminal trial on this
basis. The Chairman of the Senate Impeachment Trial Committee overruled the
objection. S. Hrg. 99-812, Pt. 1, at 660.
House Managers’ counsel objected to testimony by a witness proffered as an
expert criminal defense tax lawyer on the ground that the witness’ anticipated
testimony was within the scope of evidence which had been excluded as irrelevant by
the Sept. 17, 1986, ruling of the Chairman of the Senate Impeachment Trial
Committee on the House “Motion in limine to Exclude Irrelevant Evidence Proffered
by Judge Harry E. Claiborne”, S. Hrg. 99-812, Pt. 1, 689-92. Respondent’s counsel
argued that the witness, after being qualified as an expert, would provide testimony
which would impeach the testimony of the House Managers’ witness on the question
of whether or not a tax return like Judge Claiborne’s would “raise a red flag” when
submitted to the IRS. The Chairman of the Senate Impeachment Trial Committee
permitted the testimony of the witness to go forward within those parameters. S.
Hrg. 99-812, Pt. 1, at 826. House Managers’ counsel renewed his objection to the
testimony of this witness on the same grounds after some of that testimony had
occurred. The Chairman overruled this objection, but cautioned Respondent’s
counsel to stay within the defined limits of permissible inquiry and advised House
Managers’ counsel that he could later move to strike this testimony if appropriate.
S. Hrg. 99-812, Pt. 1, at 828-829. House Managers’ counsel later moved to strike
this testimony as incompetent and an invasion of the province of the Committee. This
motion was taken under advisement. S. Hrg. 99-812, Pt. 1, at 829.

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CRS-44
House Managers’ counsel objected to a line of questioning directed to a
character witness for the Respondent on the ground that it was designed to elicit
testimony in the area of “targeting” which was excluded by the ruling of the Chairman
of the Senate Impeachment Trial Committee on the House “Motion in limine to
Exclude as Irrelevant Evidence Proffered by Judge Harry E. Claiborne”, S. Hrg. 99-
812, Pt. 1, at 689-92. The Chairman of the Committee directed the Respondent’s
counsel to avoid the area of “targeting” because it had been excluded in its earlier
ruling. S. Hrg. 99-812, Pt. 1, at 840.
The Chairman of Senate Impeachment Trial Committee cautioned Respondent’s
counsel to keep his line of questions with regard to Government agent witnesses to
the territory defined by the Chairman in his ruling on House “Motion in limine to
Exclude as Irrelevant Evidence Proffered by Judge Harry E. Claiborne”, S. Hrg. 99-
812, Pt. 1, at 689-92. In particular, permissible areas of inquiry were whether
witnesses were subjected to pressure and whether their testimony was shaped or
influenced. S. Hrg. 99-812, Pt. 1, at 862.
A question was discussed as to whether or not the members of the Senate
Impeachment Trial Committee were limited in their questions to Government agent
witnesses to the area defined by the Sept. 17, 1986, ruling of the Chairman of the
Committee on the House “Motion in limine to Exclude as Irrelevant Evidence
Proffered by Judge Harry E. Claiborne”, S. Hrg. 99-812, Pt. 1, at 689-92. The
Chairman of the Committee held that the Committee members were so limited, subject
to possible later expansion of the field of inquiry. S. Hrg. 99-812, Pt. 1, 873-78.
House Managers’ counsel objected to Respondent’s counsel’s line of questioning
to a Government agent witness as being outside the parameters of the Sept. 17, 1986,
ruling of the Chairman of the Senate Impeachment Trial Committee on the House
“Motion in limine to Exclude as Irrelevant Evidence Proffered by Judge Harry E.
Claiborne”, S. Hrg. 99-812, Pt. 1, at 689-92. The Chairman of the Committee
sustained the objection in part, instructing Respondent’s counsel that he could ask the
witness who his supervisor was and who gave him orders. S. Hrg. 99-812, Pt. 1, at
884-85.
House Managers’ counsel objected to Respondent’s counsel’s line of questioning
to the second Government agent witness as being outside the parameters set by the
Sept. 17, 1986, ruling of the Chairman of the Senate Impeachment Trial Committee
on the House “Motion in limine to Exclude as Irrelevant Evidence Proffered by Judge
Harry E. Claiborne”, S. Hrg., 99-812, Pt. 1, at 689-92. House Managers’ argued that
the line of questioning was designed to elicit information as to whether or not Judge
Claiborne had been “targeted” by the Government. The Chairman of the Committee
sustained the objection. S. Hrg. 99-812, Pt. 1, at 888-89. Later in this witness’
testimony, House Managers’ counsel again raised this objection to a question by
Respondent’s counsel regarding whether the 1978 count of the indictment against
Judge Claiborne was contingent upon the credibility of Joseph Conforte. The
Chairman overruled the objection, with cautionary instructions to Respondent’s
counsel that the inquiry was permissible only if material to the question of whether the
Government agents influenced or shaped witness testimony. S. Hrg. 99-812, Pt. 1,
at 893.

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House Managers’ counsel objected to admission of Respondent’s proposed
Exhibit No. 25, pertinent pages of the IRS manual, as irrelevant. The Chairman of the
Senate Impeachment Trial Committee overruled the objection and admitted the
exhibit. S. Hrg. 99-812, Pt. 1, at 912.
Judge Ritter
An affidavit was admitted on proof of its relevancy. 80 Cong. Rec. 5346 (1936).

The Senate sustained the ruling of the Presiding Officer that a certificate from
the clerk of a court was inadmissible since it was not relevant. Respondent’s counsel
had sought to admit the certificate to establish the volume of business pending in that
court, and that a particular case in issue in the impeachment trial was just one case in
a busy court. But the Presiding Officer ruled that there was no issue as to the amount
of business in the court. 80 Cong. Rec. 5346 (1936).
A trust deed was admitted on proof of its relevancy. The lengthy document was
printed in the Record. 80 Cong. Rec. 5140-61 (1936).
The Presiding Officer stated that “mere collateral matters should not be
permitted to take up the time of the Senate.” 80 Cong. Rec. 5331 (1936).
Judge Louderback
The Presiding Officer sustained an objection by Respondent’s counsel that the
witness’ initial actions (against the Respondent) were alleged in the articles of
impeachment and detailed accounts of such action were not of concern to the court.
77 Cong. Rec. 3633 (1933).
The Presiding Officer sustained an objection that the House Manager’s question,
regarding the membership liquidation policy of the San Francisco Stock Exchange,
was immaterial. 77 Cong. Rec. 3621 (1933).
An objection of the Respondent’s counsel regarding the legal redress of a third
party was sustained by the Presiding Officer. 77 Cong. Rec. 3535 (1933).
The Presiding Officer sustained a hearsay objection by Respondent’s counsel and
required the House Managers to demonstrate the relevancy of their witness’ testimony
after the testimony or deposition of another witness. 77 Cong. Rec. 3613 (1933).
The Presiding Officer did not permit the Respondent’s counsel to question the
witness about legal action taken on a particular case which was irrelevant to the trial.
77 Cong. Rec. 3712 (1933)
Despite the irrelevancy of the line of questioning, the Respondent’s counsel was
permitted to question a witness concerning the character of another witness to rebut
testimony given by the later witness. 77 Cong. Rec. 3715 (1933).

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Upon the objection by a House Manger to the relevancy of the questioning, the
Presiding Officer limited the Respondent’s counsel to a few questions. 77 Cong. Rec.
3790, 3874, 3791 (1933).
The Presiding Officer overruled an objection and allowed a witness to answer
a House Manager’s question to show the excessiveness of fees paid. 77 Cong. Rec.
3855 (1933).
The witness was permitted to respond to a question, rather than have the
Respondent’s counsel explain the witness’ auditing duties for a particular holding
company at issue in the trial. 77 Cong. Rec. 3874 (1933).
The Presiding Officer permitted the witness’ summarization of the value of a
receiver’s services on the ground it would not injure either party involved in the trial.
77 Cong. Rec. 3993 (1933).
The Presiding Officer overruled an objection by Respondent’s counsel and
permitted the inquiry although, in a strict sense, the question was not relevant. 77
Cong. Rec. 3854 (1933).
Evidence relating to events occurring prior to Respondent’s appointment to the
Federal bench (Judge Louderback’s rulings in state cases) was admitted by the
Presiding Officer to establish matters pertinent to the impeachment proceedings. 77
Cong. Rec. 3513-14, 3846-47 (1933).
Judge Swayne
In the impeachment trial of Judge Swayne, the Presiding Officer explained that
Counsel for the Respondent and the Managers for the House could raise objections
to the relevance of evidence. However, an objection could not be made to a question
posed by a Senator. The Senate cited to the impeachment trial of President Andrew
Johnson:
The Chief Justice ruled that neither the managers nor the counsel had a right to
object to a question of law being put by a member of the Senate but might discuss
the admissibility of the evidence to be given in the answer to such question.
40 Cong. Globe 169 (1868).
The Presiding Officer sustained an objection to testimony by a lay witness to a
question of law posed by a Senator. 39 Cong. Rec. 2393, 2394 (1905).
The Presiding Officer ruled that the number of times a witness saw Judge
Swayne in his district was relevant to the issue of residence, but not to whether his
absences inconvenienced attorneys. 39 Cong. Rec. 2532, 2533 (1905).
Testimony as to the character of one attorney who was an associate of Judge
Swayne was immaterial. The Presiding Officer sustained the objection of counsel to
the collateral attack on the character of the judge. 39 Cong. Rec. 2908 (1905).

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The Senate excluded statements made by Judge Swayne before the House
investigating committee. Managers on the part of the House sought to introduce the
statements as evidence of the judge’s improper use of a railway car. 3 Hinds’
Precedents of the House of Representatives §2270, 609-613 (1907); citing 39 Cong.
Rec. 2539, 2540 (1905). The admissibility of the statement was submitted to the
Senate by the Presiding Officer. The Senate decided the statements were not
admissible. 3 Hinds’ Precedents of the House of Representatives §2270, 611, 613.
(1907).
The Presiding Officer admitted evidence on the expenditures of the judge,
because the pleading raised the issue. Whether or not expenses were less than the
sum charged was material to proving the charge that Judge Swayne made false
certificates of expenses. 3 Hinds’ Precedents of the House of Representatives §2224,
551 (1907); citing 39 Cong. Rec. 2240, 2241 (1905).
As to the charge that Judge Swayne wrongfully committed persons for contempt,
the Presiding Officer ruled testimony as to poor prison conditions was immaterial and
aimed to prejudice the Senators. 39 Cong. Rec. 2718, 2719 (1905).

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XVII. Sequestration of Witnesses
Judge Claiborne
Respondent’s counsel requested that, while each of the Government agent
witnesses testified, the other two Government agent witnesses be sequestered; and
that, when the Government agent witnesses were not testifying, they refrain from
discussing their testimony with each other. The Chairman of the Senate Impeachment
Trial Committee granted this request. Report of the Senate Impeachment Trial
Committee, Hearings before the Senate Impeachment Trial Committee, United States
Senate, 99th Cong., 2d Sess., S. Hrg. 99-812, Pt. 1, 850-52 (1986).

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XVIII. Questions Calling For Speculation or
Conclusions on the Part of the Witness
Judge Nixon
The House Manager asked the House Managers’ witness why the Respondent
told the witness that he spoke to another person about a particular case.
Respondent’s counsel objected to the response of the witness because it was the
witness’s speculation as to the motives of the Respondent in talking with another
person. The Chairman sustained the objection and struck the witness’s statement from
the record. Report of the Senate Impeachment Trial Committee, Hearings before the
Senate Impeachment Trial Committee, United States Senate, 101 Cong., 1
st
Sess.,
st
S. Hrg. 101-247, Pt. 2 at 167 (hereinafter S. Hrg. 101-247, Pt. 2).
Senator Heylin objected to the House Manager’s question to the Respondent’s
witness concerning whether the Respondent was accurate in saying that he did not
discuss the issues of an open case because that was the issue that the full Senate
would have to decide. The Chairman sustained the objection because the witness was
there to address the Respondent’s character and could not make an statement bearing
on the ultimate decision of the case. S. Hrg. 101-247, Pt. 2 at 223.
Judge Hastings
Respondent’s counsel objected to a question which asked the witness if under
certain circumstances a judicial opinion might have been reversed. The Chairman of
the Senate Impeachment Trial Committee overruled the objection. Report of the
Senate Impeachment Trial Committee on the Articles Against Judge Alcee L.
Hastings, Hearings before the Senate Impeachment Trial Committee, United States
Senate, 101 Cong., 1
st
Sess., S. Hrg. 101-194, Pt. 2A at 617 (1989) (hereinafter S.
st
Hrg. 101-194, Pt. 2A).
Respondent’s counsel objected to a question which asked the witness what kind
of sentence he might expect the judge to hand down as speculation. The Chairman
of the Senate Impeachment Trial Committee overruled the objection and stated that
the witness could respond if he had an expectation or an opinion at that time. S. Hrg.
101-194 Pt. 2A at 617.
Respondent’s counsel objected to a question asking the witness whether he
would present an application for a wiretap to Judge Hastings at this time. The
Chairman of the Senate Impeachment Trial Committee overruled the objection. S.
Hrg. 101-194 Pt. 2A at 1105.
Respondent’s counsel objected, on grounds of irrelevance and speculation, to a
witness being asked if he had leaked an undercover operation to someone, would he
expect his career at the FBI to be over. The Chairman of the Senate Impeachment
Trial Committee overruled the objection. S. Hrg. 101-194 Pt. 2A at 1320.

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Respondent’s counsel objected to a House Manager’s question as speculative
that asked whether the contrary testimony of a prior witness was in error. The
Chairman overruled the objection and the witness repeated her testimony. S. HRG.
101-194, Pt.2B. at 1751.
Judge Claiborne
Respondent’s counsel objected to a question by a House Manager as calling for
speculation on the part of the witness with regard to “all possible sources” for the
information involved. The House Manager countered, arguing that the witness could
testify as to whether he had any other sources for the particular information involved.
He further stressed the relevance to the case. The Chairman of the Senate
Impeachment Trial Committee overruled the objection. Report of the Senate
Impeachment Trial Committee, Hearings before the Senate Impeachment Trial
Committee, United States Senate, 99th Cong., 2d Sess., S. Hrg. 99-812, Pt. 1, 547
(1986) (hereinafter S. Hrg. 99-812, Pt. 1).
House Managers’ counsel objected to a question by Respondent’s counsel
regarding the witness’ prior inconsistent statement in testimony during Judge
Claiborne’s second trial and moved to strike on the grounds that the question asked
for and received a speculative answer and that it was an improper question for
impeachment purposes. The Chairman overruled the objection, stating that, “If the
witness knew the answer to the question, he would not have to speculate.” S. Hrg.
99-812, Pt. 1, at 574-75.
House Managers’ counsel objected to a question by the Respondent’s counsel
regarding a prior inconsistent statement in trial testimony by the witness and moved
to strike the answer on the grounds that the question asked for and received a
speculative answer. Respondent’s counsel contended that neither the question nor the
answer was speculative. The Chairman of the Senate Impeachment Trial Committee
overruled the objection and directed the witness to give the best answer he could at
this time. S. Hrg. 99-812, Pt. 1, at 580-81.
House Managers’ counsel objected to a line of questioning by the Respondent’s
counsel with regard to what those who had broken into the witness’ offices might
have seen or done. The Chairman of the Senate Impeachment Trial Committee
sustained the objection. S. Hrg. 99-812, Pt. 1, at 657.
House Managers’ counsel moved to strike the last portion of the witness’ answer
from “probably” forward. Without objection it was stricken. S. Hrg. 99-812, Pt. 1,
at 664.
House Managers’ counsel objected to a question as to whether Ms. Travaglia
could have asked the witness more than five times for help on the Claiborne tax return
on the ground that the question called for speculation on the part of the witness. The
Respondent’s counsel rephrased the question. S. Hrg. 99-812, Pt. 1, at 760.
House Managers’ counsel objected to an answer by a witness to a question by
Respondent’s counsel and moved to strike the answer as speculative. The objection
was not ruled upon by the Chairman of the Senate Impeachment Trial Committee.

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The Respondent’s counsel asked the witness a series of questions in response to
which the witness admitted that his responses were speculative. S. Hrg. 99-812, Pt.
1, at 761.
House Managers’ counsel objected to a question directed to Respondent
designed to elicit his feelings with regard to whether or not, after Sept. 1, 1978, he
was the subject of strike force, FBI or IRS interest. He argued that questions should
elicit facts, not feelings. Respondent’s counsel countered that the crucial issue of
state of mind was reflected in feelings, thought processes and emotions. The
Chairman of the Senate Impeachment Trial Committee stated that “since Judge
Claiborne is the impeached person, I think we need to exercise discretion here, and
allow some latitude. I think the question does go to the issue of intent, and we will
let you go forward.” S. Hrg. 99-812, Pt. 1, at 929.
Respondent’s counsel objected to a question by House Managers’ counsel asking
the Respondent why Jay Wright had asked him particular questions. Respondent’s
counsel’s objection was on the theory that the question called for a conclusion and
speculation on the part of the witness. Respondent replied to the question before the
Chairman of the Senate Impeachment Trial Committee ruled on the objection. The
Chairman stated that the objection was moot. S. Hrg. 99-812, Pt. 1, at 1008.
Judge Ritter
The Presiding Officer sustained an objection by Respondent’s counsel to a
question that called for a conclusion by a lay witness. The question was reframed and
after an objection was again made, the Presiding Officer directed the witness to “state
what occurred.” 80 Cong. Rec. 5135 (1936).
When Respondent’s counsel objected to a question that called for a conclusion
by a lay witness, the House Manager voluntarily reframed the question. 80 Cong.
Rec. 5253 (1936).
When the House Manager objected to a question as being conclusory,
Respondent’s counsel reframed the question and qualified it with “to your
knowledge.” The Presiding Officer stated that the reframed question was proper. 80
Cong. Rec. 5334, 5337 (1936).
Judge Louderback
The Presiding Officer overruled an objection by Respondent’s counsel to a
question that called for the opinion or conclusion of the witness. The witness was
allowed to answer the question. 77 Cong. Rec. 3413, 3417, 3522 (1933). The
Presiding Officer, however, sustained counsel’s objection where the witness was not
qualified to answer the question. Id. at 3413.
The objection by Respondent’s counsel to a question as incompetent and calling
for the opinion or conclusion of the witness was overruled by the Presiding Officer.
77 Cong. Rec. 3523 (1933).

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The objection by Respondent’s counsel to a question that called for the opinion
of the witness was overruled by the Presiding Officer. 77 Cong. Rec. 3524 (1933).
The Vice President overruled the objection by Respondent’s counsel to a
question calling for the opinion and conclusion of the witness and reiterated, “The jury
trying this case is an intelligent jury . . . and a statement made by the witness in
response to a direct question will not influence the jury. 77 Cong. Rec. 3450 (1933).
The Respondent’s counsel objected to a question calling for the witness’ opinion
and conclusion. The Presiding Officer overruled and permitted the witness to answer
if he had the knowledge. 77 Cong. Rec. 3452, 3518, 3532, 3869 (1933).
The Vice President permitted the witness to “state the facts within his
knowledge,” over an objection by Respondent’s counsel as to whether the witness
showed unusual interest. 77 Cong. Rec. 3450, 3533 (1933). When the Respondent’s
counsel objected to the witness’ same opinion and conclusion, the Vice President
stated “it was for the court [(Senate)] to determine whether there was great
excitement” and permitted the witness to state the facts. Id. at 3451.
The Vice President determined that the Senate, sitting as the court, could draw
it own conclusion from the witness’ testimony concerning interest in the stock
exchange. 77 Cong. Rec. 3507 (1933). However, a question calling for the witness’
opinion as to a different aspect of the stock exchange was not admissible. Id. at 3507.
In view of the opening statement made by Respondent’s counsel and testimony
previously presented, the Presiding Officer overruled an objection that a question
called for an opinion and a conclusion on the part of the witness. 77 Cong. Rec. 3465
(1933).
The Presiding Officer sustained the objection to a House Manager’s question
calling for the witness’ opinion and conclusion. The witness was ordered to just state
the facts. 77 Cong. Rec. 3453 (1933).
The Respondent’s counsel objected to a question calling for the opinion and
conclusion of the witness. The Presiding Officer sustained the objection, stating that
the witness had previously answered the question. 77 Cong. Rec. 3472 (1933).
The Vice President permitted a House Manager to question a witness about
certain stock exchange activities in the interest of protecting the public, overruling an
objection by the Respondent’s counsel. 77 Cong. Rec. 3779 (1933).

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XIX. Stipulations
Judge Nixon
Respondent’s counsel objected to the Chairman asking the Respondent’s
witness about a matter to which the parties had stipulated. The Chairman overruled
the objection and directed the witness to answer the question. Report of the Senate
Impeachment Trial Committee, Hearings before the Senate Impeachment Trial
Committee, United States Senate, 101 Cong., 1
st
st Sess., S. Hrg. 101-247, Pt. 2 at 215
(hereinafter S. Hrg. 101-247, Pt. 2).
Judge Hastings
Respondent’s counsel objected to the redundancy of reading the stipulations and
then asking the witness to repeat them. The Chairman of the Senate Impeachment
Trial Committee overruled the objection. Report of the Senate Impeachment Trial
Committee on the Articles Against Judge Alcee L. Hastings, Hearings before the
Senate Impeachment Trial Committee, United States Senate, 101 Cong., 1
st
Sess.,
st
S. Hrg. 101-194, Pt. 2A at 257 (1989) (hereinafter S. Hrg. 101-194, Pt. 2A).
Respondent’s counsel agreed to stipulate to certain telephone numbers being
correct but objected to the witness. The Chairman of the Senate Impeachment Trial
Committee overruled the objection. S. Hrg. 101-194, Pt. 2A at 524.
Judge Ritter
Rather than calling a witness who was present, the Respondent and the
Managers stipulated to the witness’ testimony. The witness, a secretary, would have
testified to a minor matter, the fact that her boss, a judge, was in his office during
September and October, 1929. 80 Cong. Rec. 5255 (1936).
The Respondent and the Managers stipulated as to the author of a letter where
certain initials, but no signature, appeared at the bottom of the document. 80 Cong.
Rec. 5325 (1936).
Judge Louderback
Stipulations in writing by both parties were received by the Senate as if the facts
therein agreed upon had been established by evidence. 77 Cong. Rec. 3503, 3506,
3796, 3860 (1933).
The Vice President ruled that, in view of the fact that the witness might be
present in the Senate Chamber at the time, the Respondent would not be injured by
the reading of his deposition testimony. The parties had previously stipulated that the
deposition testimony of this witness could be read into the record at the impeachment
trial by either party. 77 Cong. Rec. 3503 (1933).

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Judge Swayne
Managers for the House and counsel for the Respondent stipulated to admission
of deposition testimony of a witness who was too nervous to appear before the
tribunal. 39 Cong. Rec. 2391 (1905).

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XX. Testimony of Additional Witnesses Foreclosed
Judge Claiborne
On Oct. 7, 1986, Senator Dole introduced a motion that the Senate not hear
additional witnesses in this case. The full Senate agreed to this motion by roll call
vote on the same day. Proceedings of the United States Senate in the Impeachment
Trial of Harry E. Claiborne, A Judge of the United States District Court for the
District of Nevada, 99th Cong. 2d Sess., S. Doc. 99-48, 155-56 (1987).

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XXI. Work Product
Judge Hastings
Respondent’s counsel expressed his desire to obtain work products from the
Department of Justice since there was no longer a prosecution. The House Manager
objected to this arguing that “the work product privilege is not something designed
to protect a particular piece of litigation. It is something that would allow an attorney
to be very candid and open in his thoughts, knowing that at a later time he will not
have to disclose the work product.” Report of the Senate Impeachment Trial
Committee on the Articles Against Judge Alcee L. Hastings, Hearings before the
Senate Impeachment Trial Committee, United States Senate, 101 Cong., 1
st
Sess.,
st
S. Hrg. 101-194, Pt. 2A at 194-195 (1989) (hereinafter S. Hrg. 101-194, Pt. 2A).

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XXII. Appendix

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What Evidentiary Rules and Principles Are Applicable
In Impeachment Trials?
This report addresses the question of whether, as a general matter, the Senate
has bound itself to a particular set of evidentiary rules such as the Federal Rules of
Evidence or common law rules in impeachment proceedings. We examine the “Rules
of Procedure and Practice in the Senate When Sitting on Impeachment Trials”
(hereinafter the Impeachment Rules) and the pertinent precedents on this matter. Our
discussion includes those instances where the issue has been considered by the Senate
in particular impeachment proceedings, and how the matter has been resolved in those
proceedings.
The Impeachment Rules
The Impeachment Rules themselves do not explicitly address the question of
what rules of evidence are applicable to the impeachment setting. Some of these
rules, however, do provide some insight into the roles of the Presiding Officer and of
the other Senators in dealing with questions of an evidentiary nature. Rules VII, XI,
and XVI are of particular interest.
Rule VII provides:
VII. The Presiding Officer of the Senate shall direct all necessary
preparation in the Senate Chamber, and the Presiding Officer on the trial shall
direct all the forms of proceedings while the Senate is sitting for the purpose of
trying an impeachment, and all forms during the trial not otherwise specially
provided for. And the Presiding Officer on the trial may rule on all questions of
evidence including, but not limited to, questions of relevancy, materiality, and
redundancy of evidence and incidental questions, which ruling shall stand as the
judgment of the Senate, unless some Member of the Senate shall ask that a formal
vote be taken thereon, in which case it shall be submitted to the Senate for decision
without debate; or he may at his option, in the first instance, submit any such
question to a vote of the Members of the Senate. Upon all such questions the vote
shall be taken in accordance with the Standing Rules of the Senate.
The appointment of a committee to take evidence, where the Senate deems this
appropriate, is addressed in Rule XI. If this procedure is used, the full Senate retains
the authority to make evidentiary determinations on issues of competency, relevancy
and materiality regarding the evidence which the committee has received. Rule XI
states:
XI. That in the trial of any impeachment the Presiding Officer of the Senate,
if the Senate so orders, shall appoint a committee of Senators to receive evidence
and take testimony at such times and places as the committee may determine, and
for such purpose the committee so appointed and the chairman thereof, to be
elected by the committee, shall (unless otherwise ordered by the Senate) exercise
all the powers and functions conferred upon the Senate and the Presiding Officer

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CRS-59
of the Senate, respectively, under the rules of procedure and practice in the Senate
when sitting on impeachment trials.
Unless otherwise ordered by the Senate, the rules of procedure and practice
in the Senate when sitting on impeachment trials shall govern the procedure and
practice of the committee so appointed. The committee so appointed shall report
to the Senate in writing a certified copy of the transcript of the proceedings and
testimony had and given before such committee, and such report shall be received
by the Senate and the evidence so received and the testimony so taken shall be
considered to all intents and purposes, subject to the right of the Senate to
determine competency, relevancy, and materiality, as having been received and
taken before the Senate, but nothing herein shall prevent the Senate from sending
for any witness and hearing his testimony in open Senate, or by order of the Senate
having the entire trial in open Senate.
Responsibility for deciding questions with regard to the admission of evidence is also
mentioned in Rule XVI:
XVI. All motions, objections, requests, or applications whether relating to
the procedure of the Senate or relating immediately to the trial (including questions
with respect to the admission of evidence or other question arising during the trial)
may be made by the parties or their counsel shall be addressed to the Presiding
Officer only, and if he, or any Senator, shall require it, they shall be committed to
writing and read at the Secretary’s table.
As is apparent by the rules quoted above, these set the context in which evidentiary
questions are to be decided, but they do not shed any light upon the standard by
which such questions are to be determined. For enlightenment on the latter issue, we
now turn to the brief discussion of evidentiary matters in Procedure and Guidelines
for Impeachment Trials in the United States (Revised Edition), S. Doc. No. 33, 99th
Cong., 2d Sess. 52-54 (August 15, 1986), to Jefferson’s Manual, H.R. Doc. No. 279,
99th Cong., 2d Sess. (1987), and to precedents from the thirteen impeachment trials
which have occurred to date.
Impeachment Precedents
Our examination of precedents preceding the impeachment trial of Judge
Claiborne in 1986 is drawn from Hinds’ Precedents of the House of Representatives
(1907) (hereinafter Hinds’), Cannon’s Precedents of the House of Representatives
(1935) (hereinafter Cannon’s); and Deschler’s Precedents of the United States House
of Representatives (1977) (hereinafter Deschler’s). Each of these compilations
includes references to the Constitution, the laws and decisions of the Senate and those
of the House of Representatives. Information regarding Judge Claiborne’s trial has
been drawn from B. Reams, Jr., and C. Gray, The Congressional Impeachment
Process and the Judiciary: Documents and Materials on the Removal of Federal
District Judge Harry E. Claiborne (1987) (hereinafter Claiborne), and to the
Congressional Record. References in the trial regarding Judge Alcee L. Hastings are
to the Procedure for the Impeachment Trial of U.S. District Judge Alcee L. Hastings
in the United States Senate, Report of the Committee on Rules and Administration,
United States Senate, to Accompany S. Res. 38 and S. Res. 39, S. Rep. 101-1, 111-12

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CRS-60
(1989) and to the Report of the Senate Impeachment Trial Committee on the Articles
Against Judge Alcee L. Hastings, S. Hrg. 101-194, Pt. 1, at 293 (1989).
We begin our consideration of the precedents with a caveat. Some matters,
including evidentiary matters, may not be debated by the Senators in impeachment
trials and, in those instances where debate is permitted, the debate and deliberations
are held in closed session under recent practice. As a result, the reasoning of the
Senators in regard to particular questions, including evidentiary questions, in the
context of an impeachment trial is often not readily apparent from the resources
available.
3 See Rules XX, VII, and XXIV of the “Rules of Procedure and Practice in
the Senate when Sitting on Impeachment Trials.”
4
Frequently the only information

3 In Procedure and Guidelines for Impeachment Trials in the Senate (Revised Edition), S.
Doc. No. 33, 99th Cong., 2d Sess. 47-48 (August 15, 1986), there is some discussion of
debate in the impeachment context:
Orders at the Trial:
A Senator may propose an order, but he may not explain or debate it. Any
debate in open session would have to occur between the managers on the part of
the House and the counsel for the respondent.
During the trial of Secretary of War Belknap in 1876, a Senator proposed
an order fixing the time for further pleadings on behalf of the respondent, which
was discussed by the counsel for the respondent and a manager on the part of the
House of Representatives. At this point, Senator Allen Thurman of Ohio
attempted to also debate the order but was reminded by the President pro tempore
that debate was not in order.
Debate by Senators on any question is not allowed in open session. Rule
XXIV provides that all “the orders and decisions shall be voted on without
debate.”
Under the rules governing impeachment trials, Senators are not permitted to
engage in colloquies, or to participate in any argument.
A request to abrogate the rule requiring questions by Members of the Senate
during an impeachment trial to be in writing, or that a member of the San
Francisco bar be permitted to sit with the House Managers to assist them in the
development of the facts in an impeachment trial, were not held to be debatable.
Adoption of Senate Resolution 479, 99th Congress, 2d Session, further
clarified Rules VII and XIX regarding debate and colloquy by Senators. Rule VII
was changed by the insertion of the phrase “without debate” in the second
sentence. The intent of this change is to make it clear that a decision by the Senate
to overrule or sustain a ruling of the Presiding Officer is not to be deliberated in
open session. This change would conform Rule VII with the other impeachment
rules, e.g. Rule XXIV, which provide that decisions on these and other matters
shall be “without debate, except when the doors shall be closed for deliberation.”
The Senate added three new sentences to Rule XIX, which read as follows: The
parties or their counsel may interpose objections to witnesses answering questions
propounded at the request of any Senator and the merits of any such objection
shall be made as provided in Rule VII. It shall not be in order for any Senator to
engage in colloquy. August 16, 1986, Congressional Record (for August 15,
1986) pp. S11902-S11903.) [sic].
Rule XX states:
4
(continued...)

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from which the thrust of the Senators’ reasoning can be gleaned as to a particular
determination may be the motions and supporting memoranda or the arguments of
counsel with regard to a particular objection or proffer of evidence, and the ultimate
resolution of the issue through the admission or exclusion of the evidence involved.
This final disposition may be reflected in a roll call vote on the motion or objection,
or may be inferred from the subsequent conduct of the trial with regard to that
evidence.
During the trial of Judge James H. Peck, the Senate, on January 7, 1831, heard
argument on the issue of whether the strict rules of evidence, as applied in the courts,
were applicable in impeachment trails to assist it in determining the appropriateness
of a witness being asked to give an opinion on an issue of fact before the Senate. The
respondent in the case favored relaxation of the rules of evidence in the impeachment
trial context so that the witness involved might be permitted to voice such an opinion.
The House managers opposed this position, arguing that the strict rules of evidence
should be applied and that the opinion testimony be excluded. By a vote of 7 yeas to
35 nays, the Senate sustained the objection of the House of Representatives to the
proffered evidence of the respondent. III Hinds’ § 2218, at 537-539.
This decision seems consistent with the British impeachment practice as reflected
in Jefferson’s Manual, § 619, at 302-303:
(...continued)
4
XX. At all times while the Senate is sitting upon the trial of an impeachment
the doors of the Senate shall be kept open, unless the Senate shall direct the doors
to be closed while deliberating upon its decisions. A motion to close the doors may
be acted upon without objection, or, if objection is heard, the motion shall be voted
on without debate by the yeas and nays, which shall be entered on the record.
Rule VII, quoted above, states that where a formal vote is requested on any evidentiary
questions, it shall be submitted to the Senate for decision without debate. Rule XXIV
similarly provides that:
XXIV. All the orders and decisions may be acted upon without objection,
or, if objection is heard, the orders and decisions shall be voted on without debate
by yeas and nays, which shall be entered on the record, subject, however, to the
operation of Rule VII, except when the doors shall be closed for deliberation, and
in that case no Member shall speak more than once on one question, and for not
more than ten minutes on an interlocutory question, unless they be demanded by
one-fifth of the Members present. The fifteen minutes herein allowed shall be for
the whole deliberation on the final question, and not on the final question on each
article of impeachment.
Closed doors are also mentioned in Procedure and Guidelines for Impeachment Trials in the
Senate (Revised Edition), S. Doc. No. 33, 99th Cong., 2d Sess. 42 (August 15, 1986):
Senators do not debate in any impeachment trial unless the Senate is sitting
in closed session when debate is allowed as provided in Rule XXIV.
During the trial of Halsted L. Ritter, a Senator moved that the doors of the
Senate be closed, which was agreed to. The galleries were cleared and the
respondent and his counsel withdrew from the Chamber, and debate was in order.

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Judgment. Judgments in Parliament, for death have been strictly guided per
legem terrae, which they cannot alter; and not at all according to their discretion.
They can neither omit any part of the legal judgment nor add to it. Their sentence
must be secundum non ultra legem. Seld. Jud., 168, 171. This trial, though it
varies in external ceremony, yet differs not in essentials from criminal prosecutions
before inferior courts. The same rules of evidence, the same legal notions of
crimes and punishments, prevailed; for impeachments are not framed to alter the
law, but to carry it into more effectual execution against too powerful delinquents.
The judgment, therefore, is to be such as is warranted by legal principles or
precedents. 6 Sta. Tr., 14; 2 Wood., 611. The Chancellor gives judgment in
misdemeanors; the Lord High Steward formerly in cases of life and death. Seld.
Jud., 180. But now the Steward is deemed not necessary. Fost., 144; 2 Wood.,
613. In misdemeanors the greatest corporal punishment hath been imprisonment.
Seld. Jud., 184. The King’s assent is necessary to capital judgments (but 2
Wood., 614, contra), but not in misdemeanors, Seld. Jud., 136.
(Emphasis added); see also III Hinds’ § 2155, at 485-86. One might note at this
juncture that the British impeachment proceedings were essentially criminal
proceedings, the judgments available in such proceedings including traditionally
criminal sanctions such as fines, imprisonment, and death. In contrast, the American
impeachment system is limited in the judgments available to removal from office or
removal and disqualification from future offices of public trust. Although the
American impeachment process has its roots in the British impeachment process, and
the British practice can at times provide enlightenment, one must bear their
differences in mind when considering the precedential value of the British
impeachment practice to the American impeachment process.
In the 1862 impeachment trial of Judge West Humphreys, strict adherence to the
rules of evidence was required, particularly since the respondent did not appear
himself or through counsel. III Hinds’ § 2395, at 817. The impeachment trial of
President Andrew Johnson in 1867-1868 also provides some insight regarding the
appropriate evidentiary standards to be applied in the impeachment context. On April
16, 1868, Mr. Charles Sumner of Massachusetts proposed a declaration of opinion
designed to relax the strictness of evidentiary rules to be applied in the impeachment
trial. The proposed declaration said:
Considering the character of this proceeding, that it is a trial of impeachment
before the Senate of the United States, and not a proceeding by indictment in an
inferior court;
Considering that Senators are, from beginning to end, judges of law as well
as fact, and that they are judges from whom there is no appeal;
Considering that, according to parliamentary usage, which is the guide in all
such cases, there is on trials of impeachment a certain latitude of inquiry and a
freedom from technicality;
And considering, finally, that already in the course of this trial there have
been differences of opinion as to the admissibility of evidence;
Therefore, in order to remove all such differences and to hasten the dispatch
of business, it is deemed advisable that all evidence offered on either side not
trivial or obviously irrelevant in nature shall be received without objection, it being
understood that the same when admitted shall be open to question and comparison
at the bar in order to determine its competency and value, and shall be carefully
sifted and weighted by Senators in the final judgment.

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The motion was tabled by a vote of 33 yeas to 11 nays. III Hinds’ § 2219, at 540.
In impeachment proceedings, recourse has often been taken by both respondents
and House Managers to standards applied in judicial practice for their arguments
regarding evidentiary points. See, e.g., III Hinds’ § 2223 (laying foundation for
evidence); III Hinds’ § 2224 (materiality); III Hinds’ § 2225 (relevancy); III Hinds’
§ 2226 (best evidence rule); III Hinds’ § 2230 (hearsay); III Hinds’ § 2231
(foundation, competency); III Hinds’ § 2232 (competency); III Hinds’ § 2233
(relevancy and materiality): III Hinds’ § 2239 (relevancy, competency). At times
such recourse has been by application of accepted standards without reference to
particular cases, and at times by citation to and reliance upon specific cases.
In the impeachment trial of Judge Harry E. Claiborne in 1986, two motions were
filed which gave rise to arguments by counsel on evidentiary principles in support and
in opposition to the motions. In the House of Representatives’ memorandum in
support of their “Motion to Accept Prior Admissions of Judge Claiborne as
Substantive Evidence,” the House observed that:
The Rules of Procedure & Practice In the Senate When Sitting on
Impeachment Trials contain no specific standard for when evidence is admissible
in an impeachment trial. The Rules only imply that the general standard used in
courts across the country that evidence be relevant and material applies. (Rule
VII).
. . .
Although the Federal Rules of Evidence are not binding on the Senate, they
do offer guidance on what types of evidence are admissible. . . .
“Memorandum in Support of Motion to Accept Prior Admissions of Judge
Claiborne,” at 1-2, published in Claiborne, at 394-395. The House Managers placed
reliance upon Rule 801(d)(2) of the Federal Rules of Evidence and the accompanying
Advisory Committee Notes to the proposed Rule 801(d)(2) in their argument that an
admission of a party did not have to be supported by a guarantee of trustworthiness
and therefore should be admitted whether made under oath or not. Id., at 2, published
at Claiborne, at 395. In addition, to support their argument that “[a]dmissions made
by Judge Claiborne’s counsel during the trial should also be binding on Judge
Claiborne in this impeachment,” id., at 2-3, published in Claiborne, at 395-396, the
House Managers cited McCormick on Evidence, sec. 267, p. 791 (3d ed. 1984), for
the proposition that, “An in-court admission by an attorney generally is held by courts
to bind the client, event though the attorney is not sworn as a witness.” This suggests
that the House Managers, in their memorandum in support of this motion, relied both
upon the Federal Rules of Evidence and upon a treatise which addresses more general
common law principles. Similarly, their argument seems to indicate a view that the
Senate is not bound by either the Federal Rules of Evidence or common law
principles, alone, in its consideration of evidentiary questions in an impeachment trial,
but rather can use both as sources of guidance.
To assist the arguments of the House of Representatives in its “Memorandum
in Support of Motion In Limine to Exclude Irrelevant Evidence Proffered by Judge
Claiborne,” the Managers looked to both the Federal Rules of Evidence and to federal
case law. The Managers consulted Rules 402 and 401 of the Federal Rules of

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Evidence regarding irrelevant evidence and the definition of relevant evidence, in
addition to several cases on the exclusionary rule. “Memorandum in Support of
Motion In Limine, at 2, 6-9, published at Claiborne, 493-497-500.
Judge Claiborne, in his “Reply to House of Representatives Motion In Limine
to Exclude Irrelevant Evidence Proffered by Judge Claiborne,” at 9, published in
Claiborne, at 514, referred to Moore’s Federal Practice, Sec. 404.12, to support the
position that evidence in the form of testimony by character witnesses was logical and
relevant. In his “Memorandum of Points and Authorities,” Judge Claiborne relied
upon Rule 803(3) of the Federal Rules of Evidence, Section 803(3) of Moore’s
Federal Practice, and several federal district court and court of appeals cases in his
arguments on evidentiary matters. Further, he observes that “Memorandum IV on the
Rules of Evidence for Senate Impeachment Trials,” published in Impeachment,
Miscellaneous Documents, Committee on Rules and Administration of the United
States Senate, Comm. Print, 93rd Cong., 2d Sess., 239 (August 7, 1974), “deemed
[it] advisable that all evidence not trivial or obviously irrelevant shall be received
without objection[,] [i]d. at 243", in an impeachment trial. “Memorandum of Points
and Authorities,” at 5, published at Claiborne, 519-520. Judge Claiborne, like the
House Managers, appears to rely both upon case law and the Federal Rules of
Evidence to support his arguments.
In Procedure for the Impeachment Trial of U.S. District Judge Alcee L.
Hastings in the United States Senate, Report of the Committee on Rules and
Administration, United States Senate to Accompany S. Res. 38 and S. Res. 39, S.
Rep. 101-1, 111-12 (1989), the Senate Committee on Rules and Administration
addressed a request by Respondent Alcee Hastings’ counsel to clarify what
evidentiary rules would be applied in the impeachment proceedings regarding Judge
Hastings. The Committee stated:
G. RULES OF EVIDENCE
Respondent has requested that the Senate state whether the Federal Rules of
Evidence or common law rules of evidence will apply in the Senate proceedings.
The Committee finds that no such declaration should be made by it. Any such
determination should be made by the body that hears the evidence in the case.
“The Rules of Impeachment” by Stanley Futterman, 24 Kan. L. Rev. 105
(1975) contains a discussion of the evidentiary rules used by the Senate in
impeachment proceedings. Futterman states, “... The Senate has understood itself
to be making evidentiary determinations under the rules of evidence applicable in
courts of law [and] equity.[”]
In the past, the Senate has determined the admissibility of evidence by
looking to Senate precedents rather than court decisions. A Senate vote is the
ultimate authority for determining the admissibility of evidence.
In the Claiborne impeachment proceedings, the House managers argued that
the Senate is not bound by the Federal [R]ules of Evidence, but they suggested that
those rules should be looked to for guidance. The managers were careful to cite
to the analogous federal rule when arguing motions.
Professor Burbank concludes that the Claiborne proceedings confirmed the
Senate’s wisdom in refusing to adopt detailed rules of evidence for impeachment
trials and cautions against wholesale borrowing from the Federal Rules of

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Evidence. Burbank stated, “It is not hard to imagine a trial governed by a detailed
body of rules becoming bogged down in technical disputes, with the ascertainment
of facts the victim.”
Although the Senate applies generally accepted rules of evidence, it would
serve no useful purpose to declare any particular system to be supreme.
Impeachment: A Handbook, (1974) by Professor Charles Black of Yale
University, discusses the entire impeachment process. Professor Black suggests
that technical rules of evidence designed for juries have no place in the
impeachment process.
Both the House and the Senate ought to hear and consider all evidence
which seems relevant, without regard to technical rules. Senators are
in any case continually exposed to `hearsay’ evidence; they cannot be
sequestered and kept away from newspapers like a jury. If they cannot
be trusted to weigh evidence, appropriately discounting for all the
factors of unreliability that have led to our keeping some evidence
away from juries, then they are not in any way up to the job, and `rules
of evidence’ will not help.
Simpson is “Federal Impeachments”, supra, discussed rules of evidence in
impeachment proceedings. Simpson noted:
. . . the Senate has invariably received all the evidence which it
deemed relevant, from any witness who had personal knowledge of the
facts, no matter by whom it was to be proved, and left its weight to be
determined upon final consideration.
The Senate must retain its freedom to review evidence issues as they present
themselves. The Senate should not restrict itself unnecessarily by making its
decisions in a vacuum, before the trial has even begun.
Thus, the Senate Committee on Rules and Administration rejected the notion that the
Senate need bind itself to a particular evidentiary standard prior to the trial on Judge
Hastings impeachment articles. It noted the prior practice of looking to earlier
impeachment practices and observed that in the previous impeachment trial, that of
Judge Claiborne, the House Managers cited to the Federal Rules of Evidence to
provide guidance, while recognizing that those rules are not binding on the Senate in
the impeachment context.
Further, in addressing a number of pretrial issues raised by the parties in the
impeachment trial of Judge Alcee L. Hastings to the Senate Impeachment Trial
Committee, Chairman Bingaman announced the ruling of the Committee on the
matter of governing evidentiary principles as part of the "Disposition of Pretrial
Issues" on April 14, 1989, p. 13, published in Report of the Senate Impeachment
Trial Committee on the Articles Against Judge Alcee L. Hastings, S. Hrg. 101-194,
Pt. 1 at 293 (1989):
Sixth, the parties have expressed an interest in the evidentiary principles that
will govern these proceedings. The committee's task is to receive and report
evidence to the Senate. The Senate reserves the power to determine the
competency, relevancy, and materiality of the evidence received by the committee.
The committee is not bound by the Federal Rules of Evidence, although those rules

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may provide some guidance to the committee. Members of the Senate sit both as
judges of law and fact. Precise rules of evidence are not needed in an impeachment
trial to protect jurors, lay triers of fact, from doubtful evidence. In the end, the
task of members of the Senate will be to weigh the relevance and quality of the
evidence.
Conclusions
The precedents reviewed above suggest that in the past the Senate has preferred
to take guidance from the evidentiary standards current in the judicial branch at the
time of the impeachment at hand or from prior impeachment practice, rather than
binding itself to a specific set of rules or standards as an immutable form to which the
evidence introduced in an impeachment must conform. This approach has permitted
the Senate greater flexibility in the admission of evidence which it has deemed
relevant, material, and credible. The Humphreys case suggests that the Senate may
be particularly strict in its construction of evidentiary standards where the respondent
in the impeachment trial has not appeared in person or by counsel. The Senate’s
refusal to relax its adherence to the then current rules of evidence in that case
suggests that the Senate may be particularly attentive to these rules where the
protections of the respondent’s interests inherent in an adversarial proceeding are
absent. However, the Peck trial, where the Senate also rejected a move to relax the
applicable rules of evidence to permit the respondent to introduce witness testimony
to which the House objected, appears to reflect the fact that the Senate may adhere
to the strict rules of evidence current at the time of an impeachment trial even where
the respondent is present with counsel. On the other hand, in the recent proceedings
with respect to Judge Claiborne and Judge Hastings, the Senate has refused to bind
itself to a specific set of evidentiary rules.
The Senate is the final arbiter with regard to evidentiary questions, as well as
other issues of fact and law, in an impeachment trial. Should the Senate so choose,
it can admit evidence which might not be admissible in a court of law under applicable
rules of evidence. The absence of a binding set of evidentiary rules in the
impeachment setting may create some uncertainty for House Managers and their
counsel and for Respondent and his counsel in their preparation of their cases for the
impeachment trial. In addition, it may make the task of the Senate in ruling upon
evidentiary matters more difficult because of the absence of hard and fast standards
to apply. However, while guidance may be gleaned from the evidentiary rules and
principles applicable in the courts at the time of the impeachment proceedings and
from prior precedents from earlier impeachment trials, the flexibility inherent in the
absence of a binding set of rules permits the Senate to temper its evidentiary rulings
to its perception of the probative weight of the evidence offered, balanced against its
potential to prejudice or mislead, rather than to strict adherence to a more inflexible
standard.
(name redacted)
Legislative Attorney

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