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ARTICLE · 08 SEPTEMBER 2010

A Question of Ethics: How Do House Ethics Trials Work?

McGuireWoods LLP
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I have a question regarding the upcoming ethics trials of Reps. Charlie Rangel (D-N.Y.) and Maxine Waters (D-Calif.). The prospect of two legislators being on trial for unethical conduct fascinates me. Yet, I really have no idea what to expect. What is a House ethics trial and how does it work?

United StatesGovernment, Public Sector
C. Simon Davidson
C. Simon Davidson

Reprinted from Roll Call (September 7, 2010)

Q: I have a question regarding the upcoming ethics trials of Reps. Charlie Rangel (D-N.Y.) and Maxine Waters (D-Calif.). The prospect of two legislators being on trial for unethical conduct fascinates me. Yet, I really have no idea what to expect. What is a House ethics trial and how does it work?

A: Your unfamiliarity with House ethics trials is not surprising. They are rare. The last trial was in July 2002, when Rep. Jim Traficant (D-Ohio) faced the House ethics committee after being convicted of several federal crimes. That was more than eight years ago, so you are likely not the only one who could use a refresher on ethics trial procedure. In fact, for most of the Members and staffers conducting the trials, these will be their first.

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