 | |
Robert C Byrd, a Democrat of West Virginia, is considered the Senate's leading expert on rules and procedures. He studies Senate rules in his spare time on the weekends, and wrote a book, The Senate 1789-1989.
His commitment to the Constitution has put him at odds with his own party. He opposed Mr Clinton's efforts to win line-item veto power for the president on the basis that it violated the separation of powers laid out in the Constitution.
Known for his non-partisan commitment to the Constitution and procedure, Republicans have looked to this senior statesman for guidance on how to proceed with impeachment. But they were angered at his call to dismiss the trial, saying it would short-circuit the course of justice.
He voted Not Guilty on both counts.
 |
|||
|
|
Stage 1 7 January Senate trial opens. Sombre start for Clinton trial
|
|
|
|
Stage 2 14 - 17January Trial resumes 1800GMT. House managers will present the case against the president. Prosecutors: Clinton must be ‘accountable’ (Day 1) Prosecutors lay into Clinton (Day 2) Republicans: 'Do the right thing' (Day 3)
|
|
|
|
Stage 3 19 - 21 January White House lawyers present the president's defence. Clinton team makes heartfelt plea (Day 4) Clinton defence attacks charges as vague (Day 5) White House wraps up Clinton defence(Day 6)
|
|
|
|
Stage 4 22 - 24 January Senators question both sides. Key senators call to end trial Excerpts: Senators’ questions (Day 8)
|
|
|
|
Stage 5 25 - 26 January Prosecutors and defence lawyers make motions to present witnesses or hear evidence and dismiss the case. Senate debates dismissal (Day 9) Witness list cut to three (Day 10)
|
|
|
|
Stage 6 27 - 29 January Senate debates and votes on the motions. Senate votes to hear witnesses (Day 11) Senate's partisan pomp Republicans force through trial plan(Day 12)
|
|
|
|
Stage 7 1 - 11 February Witnesses are deposed and videotaped testimony is taken. Prosecution and Defence make presentations before closing arguments by each side. Senators then deliberate on the case before a final vote. Lewinsky questioned again Hyde to seek live testimony Lewinsky goes public Closing arguments Senators deliberate
|
|
|
|
Stage 8 12 February At the end of the trial, the Senate will vote on two articles of impeachment. Sixty-seven senators or two-thirds of the Senate must vote in favour of impeachment in order to remove the president from office. Clinton in the clear
|
|
