The Law of Presidential Impeachment
A Guide for the Engaged Citizen
Published on 14. April 2026
Book
Paperback/Softback
216 pages
978-1-4798-4754-9 (ISBN)
Description
A clear and comprehensive overview of presidential impeachment from a leading expert in the field
As a result of Donald Trump's presidency, impeachment was once again thrust into the spotlight of American political discussion. However, its history goes back to the very founding of the nation, when American colonists, remembering their grievances against their former king, entrenched the process in their new Constitution.
The Law of Presidential Impeachment breaks down both the law and politics of this process, providing a comprehensive, nonpartisan, and up-to-date explanation of the Constitution's various mechanisms for holding presidents accountable for their misdeeds. Based on a lifetime of scholarly research, as well as unique experience as a witness and consultant in the impeachment trials of Bill Clinton and Donald Trump, Michael J. Gerhardt's new book takes the reader back to the basics of presidential impeachments. Rather than provide reasons for or against impeaching particular presidents, he explains the law and procedures that govern impeachment, examining a number of significant, yet under-explored, issues and themes. Gerhardt offers new perspectives on the subject, arguing that it cannot be properly understood in a vacuum, but must instead be viewed in the context of its coordination with such other mechanisms as criminal prosecutions, censure, elections, congressional oversight, and the Fourteenth and Twenty-Fifth Amendments.
The Law of Presidential Impeachment will be an invaluable, accessible guide for future generations, giving them a succinct yet remarkably nuanced understanding of this core aspect of our executive branch and overarching governmental system.
As a result of Donald Trump's presidency, impeachment was once again thrust into the spotlight of American political discussion. However, its history goes back to the very founding of the nation, when American colonists, remembering their grievances against their former king, entrenched the process in their new Constitution.
The Law of Presidential Impeachment breaks down both the law and politics of this process, providing a comprehensive, nonpartisan, and up-to-date explanation of the Constitution's various mechanisms for holding presidents accountable for their misdeeds. Based on a lifetime of scholarly research, as well as unique experience as a witness and consultant in the impeachment trials of Bill Clinton and Donald Trump, Michael J. Gerhardt's new book takes the reader back to the basics of presidential impeachments. Rather than provide reasons for or against impeaching particular presidents, he explains the law and procedures that govern impeachment, examining a number of significant, yet under-explored, issues and themes. Gerhardt offers new perspectives on the subject, arguing that it cannot be properly understood in a vacuum, but must instead be viewed in the context of its coordination with such other mechanisms as criminal prosecutions, censure, elections, congressional oversight, and the Fourteenth and Twenty-Fifth Amendments.
The Law of Presidential Impeachment will be an invaluable, accessible guide for future generations, giving them a succinct yet remarkably nuanced understanding of this core aspect of our executive branch and overarching governmental system.
Reviews / Votes
"A well-informed look at a crucial safeguard against the abuse of power." - Kirkus Reviews"A sharp, informed treatment of impeachment, for experts and newcomers alike, incorporating what has been learned as a result of recent events, and with a detailed discussion of the Trump impeachment and associated events." - Cass R. Sunstein, New York Times best-selling author of Conformity and Nudge
"Gerhardt, a nationally recognized expert on this topic, is the exact scholar needed to write this concise and accessible guide to all things impeachment. This will certainly be the new definitive text on the subject." - Lori Cox Han, Professor of Political Science, Chapman University
"An accessible and insightful tour through American presidential impeachments by the foremost scholar in the field. On a topic that stirs up political passions, Michael Gerhardt provides sober judgement." - Keith Whittington, William Nelson Cromwell Professor of Politics, Princeton University
"A clear and comprehensive primer about the culture and values required to operate constitutional government as the country's founders intended." - Thomas J. Davis Library Journal
"Concise and will be easily grasped by the general readership it is intended for." - CHOICE
More details
Language
English
Place of publication
New York
United States
Target group
Professional and scholarly
Product notice
Paperback (trade)
Dimensions
Height: 203 mm
Width: 127 mm
Thickness: 16 mm
Weight
250 gr
ISBN-13
978-1-4798-4754-9 (9781479847549)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Person
Michael J. Gerhardt is Burton Craige Distinguished Professor of Jurisprudence at the University of North Carolina Law School and author of six books, including The Forgotten Presidents: Their Untold Constitutional Legacy, which The Financial Times selected as one of the best non-fiction books of 2013.