1852: High Crimes and Misdemeanor Jan 10, 2020

The phrase "high crimes and misdemeanors" is a legal one, but unlike what people might expect from the precision of legalese, it doesn't have a real definition. In general, it relates to misconduct of government officials—this is what makes it 'high'—but it does not exclusively relate to criminal activity, and instead comes down to the higher standard for action placed on officials. Indeed, a 'high crime' is one exclusive to those with authority, but together "high crimes and misdemeanors" in the US and UK can come down to the mere allegation of misconduct. It isn't that there are precedents for it or anything, but that what makes something a misdemeanor isn't necessarily codified, this comes down a great deal to judgement.

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