General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: It just dawned on me. (Senate trial) [View all]hlthe2b
(102,225 posts)The only guidance the Constitution gives is: When the President of the United States is tried, the Chief Justice shall preside. That is to avoid a potential conflict of interest because the vice president, who usually presides over the Senate, would theoretically benefit from a presidents removal from office, according to Don Ritchie, the longtime Senate historian.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/senate-impeachment-trial-to-test-chief-justice-who-has-tangled-with-trump/2019/11/05/1c220a7e-fb3e-11e9-ac8c-8eced29ca6ef_story.html
AND NOTE:
Many scholars who have studied the impeachment process view the chief justices role at an impeachment trial as similarly ceremonial. But on Tuesday, McConnell played up the power that Roberts has noting that he would rule on any motions made by the opposing sides.