CCL President Robert S. Peck told WUSA-9, the CBS affiliate in Washington, DC that presidential impeachment trials differ from criminal trials because it is part of a constitutional process, informed by politics, that goes to the removal and possible disqualification of a president from future federal office, rather than potential fines and jail. Although the Constitution uses the terms "high crimes and misdemeanors," impeachment does not require a criminal offense and can be premised on a violation of the oath of office.

     Peck also pointed out that the Constitution specifies that criminal charges can still be brought against a person convicted after impeachment.