Impeachment Dismissed for Lack of Jurisdiction

The Senate convened as a Court of Impeachment for the trial on December 17, 1798. Blount refused to attend despite a visit to Knoxville from the Senate sergeant-at-arms, but the Senate heard arguments from his counsel, who argued lack of jurisdiction because Blount had not been an officer within the meaning of Article II, nor was he now an officer since he had been expelled and held no federal office. On January 11, 1799, the Senate voted 14 to 11 to dismiss the impeachment for lack of jurisdiction.