Hastings’ Impeachment Is Overturned

WASHINGTON — A federal judge on Thursday overturned the impeachment of former U.S. District Judge Alcee L. Hastings on grounds that he did not receive a fair trial by the Senate.

U.S. District Judge Stanley Sporkin said Hastings, who was a Florida judge, could not be impeached for the same actions that led to an acquittal in a federal trial. Hastings had been acquitted in 1983 on a charge of conspiracy to solicit and accept a bribe.

So that Hastings’ case can be settled by a Supreme Court appeal, Sporkin did not order a new trial.

Hastings, who recently qualified for the Oct. 1 Democratic runoff for the 23rd Congressional Distrct seat, called the ruling “a measure of vindication and very satisfying. For the moment it feels good to be unimpeached.”

Sporkin also ruled, in a 35-page opinion, that the Senate violated Hastings’ rights by appointing a trial committee to hear evidence in the impeachment case.

He said the entire impeachment trial should have been held before the full Senate. Instead, the Senate’s role was limited to debating the evidence, followed by a vote that convicted Hastings.