
Bill Clinton was the latest US president to face impeachment. Here's a timeline of that process:
- 1994: Clinton is sued by Paula Jones for sexual harassment. Although Clinton and Jones eventually settled the suit rather than going to trial, the litigation sparked an investigation into whether Clinton obstructed justice and lied under oath. The probe centers on Clinton's relationship with a White House intern, Monica Lewinsky.
- 1998: After a four-year investigation, special prosecutor Kenneth Starr produces a 445-page report detailing Clinton's relationship with Lewinsky. The report lists acts that could be grounds for impeachment.
- October 8, 1998: The House approves the impeachment inquiry.
- December 19, 1998: Four articles of impeachment are set forth in the House of Representatives. Two articles are approved: One alleges that Clinton committed perjury when he told a grand jury that he did not have an affair with Lewinsky and the other alleges that Clinton coerced Lewinsky to lie under oath about their relationship.
- January 7, 1999: An impeachment trial begins in the Senate.
- February 12, 1999: Clinton is acquitted. For the perjury charge, 55 senators vote not guilty and for the obstruction of justice charge, 50 senators vote to acquit the president. Clinton serves out the rest of his term.