House Republicans begin impeachment hearings against Joe Biden

An impeachment hearing is a formal proceeding in which a legislative body, such as the United States House of Representatives, examines evidence and deliberates on whether to impeach a government official, typically the head of state, such as a president. Impeachment is a constitutional process that allows the legislature to accuse and potentially remove a high-ranking official from office for "high crimes and misdemeanors."

The process generally involves the following steps:

Investigation: Before an impeachment hearing takes place, there is often a thorough investigation by a relevant committee or body to gather evidence and determine whether there are grounds for impeachment. This investigation may include gathering documents, interviewing witnesses, and reviewing any alleged misconduct.

Articles of Impeachment: If the investigation yields evidence of wrongdoing, articles of impeachment are drafted. These articles are formal charges against the official and outline the specific allegations.

Impeachment Hearing: The legislative body, such as the House of Representatives in the case of the U.S., holds a formal hearing to consider the articles of impeachment. During this hearing, members of the committee present evidence, witnesses may be called to testify, and debates may take place.

Vote: After the hearing and deliberations, the legislative body votes on each article of impeachment. If a majority of members vote in favor of any article, the official is impeached on those charges.

Trial: In some systems, like the U.S., impeachment by the lower house (House of Representatives) is followed by a trial in the upper house (Senate). The Senate then decides whether to remove the official from office. A two-thirds majority vote is typically required for removal.

Outcome: The outcome of an impeachment process can vary. If the official is not removed from office, they continue in their position. If they are removed, they are no longer in office, and they may also be subject to other legal consequences.

Impeachment is a serious and constitutionally significant process designed to hold government officials accountable for their actions. It is not a criminal trial but a political one, and the specific procedures and requirements can vary from one country or jurisdiction to another.