Terms Used In Idaho Code 19-4008

  • Answer: The formal written statement by a defendant responding to a civil complaint and setting forth the grounds for defense.
  • Conviction: A judgement of guilt against a criminal defendant.
  • Defendant: In a civil suit, the person complained against; in a criminal case, the person accused of the crime.
  • Impeachment: (1) The process of calling something into question, as in "impeaching the testimony of a witness." (2) The constitutional process whereby the House of Representatives may "impeach" (accuse of misconduct) high officers of the federal government for trial in the Senate.
If the objection to the sufficiency of the articles of impeachment is not sustained by a majority of the members of the senate who heard the argument, the defendant must be ordered forthwith to answer the articles of impeachment. If he then pleads guilty, or refuses to plead, the senate must render judgment of conviction against him. If he pleads not guilty, the senate must at such time as it may appoint, proceed to try the impeachment.