On the recordDecember 15, 2010
for just the eighth time in this country's history, the Senate has voted to impeach and remove a Federal judge from the bench. Impeachment is a serious, constitutional act intended not as a form of punishment, but rather as means of protecting the integrity of our system of government. This is particularly true when we consider the impeachment of members of the judiciary. Public confidence in our courts is fundamental to the functioning of our democracy. When a judge engages in conduct that grossly violates the public trust, he or she not only becomes incapable of fulfilling the responsibilities of the office, but also brings disrepute to the entire judicial system. Prior to the Senate's vote on December 8, I voted three times to convict a Federal judge. In each instance, I carefully considered the facts in the case, as well as my constitutional obligations and the precedent being set for future generations. I have no doubt that just as we looked back to past impeachments to guide our actions in this proceeding, we now leave new precedent that others will look to for guidance and wisdom.
