Impeachment vs. Conviction: What's the Difference?
Edited by Huma Saeed || By Sawaira Riaz || Published on November 12, 2023
Impeachment is the formal charge of wrongdoing against a public official; Conviction is the formal declaration of guilt after a trial.
Key Differences
Impeachment is a process to bring charges against a public official, suggesting they committed an offense while in office. Conviction, on the other hand, is the conclusion of a trial process, where the charged individual is found guilty.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 12, 2023
Impeachment serves as an accusation and is the first step in potentially removing an official from office. While Conviction refers to the final decision, establishing guilt or innocence, which may lead to penalties or sentences.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 12, 2023
The Impeachment process doesn't necessarily result in removal from office but signifies a formal charge. Conviction following an impeachment can lead to removal and other repercussions.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 12, 2023
In the context of U.S. presidents, Impeachment is initiated in the House of Representatives, while Conviction requires a two-thirds majority vote in the Senate.
Janet White
Nov 12, 2023
Impeachment is inherently political, as it's driven by legislative bodies. Conviction, especially in criminal courts, is a legal determination made based on evidence and legal standards.
Harlon Moss
Nov 12, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Body Responsible
Usually a legislative body (e.g., House of Representatives in the U.S.).
Court or, in case of impeachment trials, the Senate in the U.S.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 12, 2023
Outcome
Does not guarantee removal from office.
Establishes guilt and can result in removal or other penalties.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 12, 2023
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Impeachment and Conviction Definitions
Impeachment
A formal process by which an official is accused and tried for wrongdoing.
The impeachment hearings were televised nationally.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 28, 2023
Conviction
A formal declaration that someone is guilty of a crime.
His conviction led to a five-year prison sentence.
Janet White
Oct 28, 2023
Conviction
A record of having been found guilty of an offense.
His prior convictions were brought up in court.
Janet White
Oct 28, 2023
Impeachment
To bring formal charges against (a public official) for wrongdoing while in office.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
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Conviction
The act of finding a person guilty of a crime.
The trial ended in his conviction on all charges.
Harlon Moss
Oct 28, 2023
Impeachment
To raise doubts about; discredit or disparage
Impeach a witness's credibility.
Impeach someone's character.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Conviction
A final determination in a legal proceeding.
The conviction was later overturned on appeal.
Harlon Moss
Oct 28, 2023
Impeachment
(countable) The act of calling into question or challenging the accuracy or propriety of something.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Conviction
The judgment of a jury or judge that a person is guilty of a crime as charged.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Impeachment
A demonstration in a court of law, or before another finder of fact, that a witness was ingenuine before, and is therefore less likely to tell the truth now.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Conviction
The state of being found or proved guilty
Evidence that led to the suspect's conviction.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Impeachment
An accusation that a person has committed a crime against the state, such as treason.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Impeachment
The act of impeaching or charging a public official with misconduct, especially if serious, often with the aim of having the official dismissed from office.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Conviction
The state or appearance of being convinced
She spoke with real conviction on the matter.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Impeachment
The act of impeaching, or the state of being impeached
Willing to march on to Calais,Without impeachment.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Impeachment
A calling to account; arraignment; especially, of a public officer for maladministration.
The consequence of Coriolanus' impeachment had like to have been fatal to their state.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Impeachment
A calling in question as to purity of motives, rectitude of conduct, credibility, etc.; accusation; reproach; as, an impeachment of motives.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Impeachment
A formal document charging a public official with misconduct in office
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Conviction
The act of convicting; the act of proving, finding, or adjudging, guilty of an offense.
The greater certainty of conviction and the greater certainty of punishment.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Impeachment
The act of accusing a public official of misconduct.
The House passed articles of impeachment against the president.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 28, 2023
Conviction
A judgment of condemnation entered by a court having jurisdiction; the act or process of finding guilty, or the state of being found guilty of any crime by a legal tribunal.
Conviction may accrue two ways.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Impeachment
A charge of misconduct made against the holder of a public office.
Several members called for the governor's impeachment.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 28, 2023
Conviction
The act of convincing of error, or of compelling the admission of a truth; confutation.
For all his tedious talk is but vain boast,Or subtle shifts conviction to evade.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Impeachment
The act of challenging the validity or authenticity of something.
The defense's impeachment of the witness's testimony was effective.
Harlon Moss
Oct 28, 2023
Conviction
The state of being convinced or convicted; strong persuasion or belief; especially, the state of being convicted of sin, or by one's conscience.
To call good evil, and evil good, against the conviction of their own consciences.
And did you presently fall under the power of this conviction?
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Impeachment
A mechanism to maintain the integrity of governing institutions.
Impeachment ensures that officials can be held accountable.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 28, 2023
Conviction
An unshakable belief in something without need for proof or evidence
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Conviction
(criminal law) a final judgment of guilty in a criminal case and the punishment that is imposed;
The conviction came as no surprise
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Conviction
A firmly held belief or opinion.
She spoke with conviction about the need for change.
Harlon Moss
Oct 28, 2023
FAQs
What initiates the impeachment process?
The process typically begins with an accusation or charge against a public official.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 12, 2023
Does a conviction always mean imprisonment?
No, conviction determines guilt, but the penalty can vary from fines to imprisonment.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 12, 2023
Is impeachment a trial?
Impeachment is more of an accusation, which can lead to a trial.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 12, 2023
Can impeachment happen to any public official?
While procedures vary, impeachment usually targets higher-ranking officials.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 12, 2023
What's the difference between conviction in court and in impeachment trials?
In court, it's a legal judgment. In impeachment trials, it's often a political decision.
Harlon Moss
Nov 12, 2023
What happens after a conviction?
It leads to a sentence, which can be a fine, imprisonment, or other penalties.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 12, 2023
Are convictions always for criminal offenses?
Most often, but conviction can also refer to firmly held beliefs.
Harlon Moss
Nov 12, 2023
Why is impeachment considered a political process?
Because it's conducted by elected representatives in legislative bodies.
Harlon Moss
Nov 12, 2023
Who can impeach the U.S. president?
The House of Representatives can initiate impeachment.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 12, 2023
Does conviction always follow impeachment?
No, impeachment is an accusation; conviction requires a separate process.
Sara Rehman
Nov 12, 2023
Can impeachment be appealed?
It's a political process, so traditional appeals don't apply like in courts.
Harlon Moss
Nov 12, 2023
Has a U.S. president ever been removed through impeachment?
No U.S. president has been removed; some were impeached but not convicted.
Harlon Moss
Nov 12, 2023
How many votes are needed for impeachment?
It varies; in the U.S. House, a simple majority is required.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 12, 2023
What rights do individuals have after a conviction?
Rights can be limited, but it varies by jurisdiction and offense.
Janet White
Nov 12, 2023
What evidentiary standards apply in a conviction?
In criminal cases, it's usually "beyond a reasonable doubt."
Janet White
Nov 12, 2023
Can impeachment occur posthumously?
Generally, impeachment targets living officials, so posthumous proceedings are rare.
Harlon Moss
Nov 12, 2023
What's the societal impact of a conviction?
It can lead to legal repercussions and social stigma.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 12, 2023
Is a conviction always permanent?
No, some convictions can be overturned on appeal or expunged.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 12, 2023
Can someone with a conviction hold public office?
Laws vary, but many jurisdictions restrict or bar individuals with certain convictions.
Harlon Moss
Nov 12, 2023
Why is impeachment important in a democracy?
It serves as a check on power and holds officials accountable.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 12, 2023
About Author
Written by
Sawaira RiazSawaira is a dedicated content editor at difference.wiki, where she meticulously refines articles to ensure clarity and accuracy. With a keen eye for detail, she upholds the site's commitment to delivering insightful and precise content.
Edited by
Huma SaeedHuma is a renowned researcher acclaimed for her innovative work in Difference Wiki. Her dedication has led to key breakthroughs, establishing her prominence in academia. Her contributions continually inspire and guide her field.
