7 Things to Know About How a <br />Senate Impeachment Trial Works.<br />1. Senators take an oath <br />to "do impartial justice.".<br />Though Senate majority leader <br />Mitch McConnell has stated, "I'm not an <br />impartial juror," the wording of the required <br />Constitutional oath is clear on the necessary impartiality.<br />2. A majority is needed <br />in order to call a witness.<br />President Donald Trump has <br />indicated he'd like the whistleblower <br />to be called as a witness, but more moderate <br />Republicans could prevent such an occurrence.<br />3. Restrictions exist on who <br />the TV cameras can focus on.<br />Rules agreed upon in 1986 <br />state that cameras can only <br />focus on the person speaking.<br />4. Much of the discussion <br />could occur behind closed doors.<br />During former President Bill Clinton's <br />impeachment trial, many of the senators'<br />speeches took place on camera, but <br />deliberations on voting often occurred in private.<br />5. The first and last <br />word goes to the accusers.<br />Rule XXII states that the <br />"argument shall be opened and <br />closed by the House of Representatives.".<br />6. Witnesses may be <br />deposed on video or in private.<br />During Clinton's impeachment trial, <br />the star witness, Monica Lewinsky, was <br />deposed on video with portions of the <br />deposition being played during the trial.<br />7. Only 34 senators are <br />required to acquit President Trump.<br />With 54 Republican Senators, <br />removing President Trump from <br />office is not likely to happen
