What roles do the House of Representatives and Senate play in impeaching a federal judge?

The impeachment of a federal judge is a two-step process defined by the U.S. Constitution that separates the power to charge from the power to try.

The Role of the House of Representatives

The U.S. House of Representatives holds the sole power to initiate impeachment, which functions similarly to an indictment. The process typically involves an investigation—often led by the House Judiciary Committee—to draft articles of impeachment, which are formal allegations of treason, bribery, or other high crimes and misdemeanors. The full House then votes on these articles; if at least one article receives a majority vote, the judge is officially impeached.12

The Role of the Senate

Once impeached, the judge faces a trial in the U.S. Senate, which has the sole authority to try all impeachment cases. During the trial:32
* Prosecution: Members of the House act as "managers" to present the case against the judge.3
* Defense: The judge may select their own legal counsel.3
* Verdict: The Senate acts as the jury. A conviction requires a two-thirds majority vote, resulting in removal from office without the possibility of appeal. If the Senate fails to reach this threshold, the judge is acquitted and remains in office.32