Senate Vote Raises Deep Constitutional Concerns for the Future

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Nancy Rodriguez, media@acslaw.org

Washington, D.C. — The Senate voted today to acquit President Trump of the abuse of power and obstruction of justice charges brought by the House in the wake of the Ukraine scandal. Below is a statement from Zinelle October, Interim President of the American Constitution Society.

“Today is a tragic moment in our country’s history. The Senate’s vote comes following a trial that ignored pertinent witnesses and relevant evidence. Now the country is left to wonder what other information may be out there that speaks to the president’s conduct and about the overall legitimacy of the Senate’s actions.

“From the beginning of this process, ACS has called for lawmakers to put principles above politics and meet their constitutional duty to conduct comprehensive, open, fair and impartial proceedings with pertinent witnesses being given the chance to share what they know. That was not allowed to happen. These developments should leave us all with deep constitutional concerns about what this means for presidential power, checks and balances and presidential accountability – for this administration and those to come. No one is above the law and yet it would appear in this case, the rule of law was summarily cast aside.

“As we move forward from this historic series of events, let us hope that more information does not come to light that will further call this process and verdict into question.”

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View ACS's Impeachment Resources page for legal analysis from the ACS network.

AMERICAN CONSTITUTION SOCIETY
The American Constitution Society (ACS) believes that the Constitution is “of the people, by the people, and for the people.” We interpret the Constitution based on its text and against the backdrop of history and lived experience. Through a diverse nationwide network of progressive lawyers, law students, judges, scholars and many others, we work to uphold the Constitution in the 21^st Century by ensuring that law is a force for protecting our democracy and the public interest and for improving people’s lives. For more information about the organization and its 200+ attorney and law student chapters in 48 states, visit us at www.acslaw.org and 1899 L Street NW, Suite 200, Washington, DC, 20036.

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