What Crime was the Special Prosecution Considering against President Nixon?
The Watergate scandal, which unfolded in the early 1970s, led to one of the most significant constitutional crises in American history. President Richard Nixon‘s administration was embroiled in a web of corruption, deceit, and criminal activity, ultimately leading to his resignation in August 1974. The central question surrounding the scandal was: what crime was the special prosecution considering against President Nixon?
The Discovery of the Break-In
The Watergate scandal began on June 17, 1972, when five men were caught breaking into the Democratic National Committee headquarters at the Watergate complex in Washington, D.C. The break-in was initially seen as a minor incident, but as investigations unfolded, it became clear that the President’s administration was deeply involved in the conspiracy.
The Cover-Up
President Nixon and his closest advisors, including White House Counsel John Ehrlichman, Domestic Policy Adviser Harold Haldeman, and Attorney General Richard Kleindienst, were accused of attempting to cover up the break-in. The administration’s actions were meant to prevent the scandal from becoming public, but their efforts ultimately backfired.
The Charges against President Nixon
In April 1974, a Grand Jury indictment was issued against seven defendants, including former Assistant to the President for Domestic Affairs Charles Colson, former White House Counsel John Ehrlichman, and former Attorney General John Mitchell. The charges related to the obstruction of justice, witness tampering, and conspiracy in connection with the Watergate break-in.
Obstruction of Justice
Obstruction of justice was the most significant charge against President Nixon. This charge referred to the attempt to influence, obstruct, or impede the investigation into the break-in. The President was accused of using his authority to cover up his involvement in the conspiracy, including ordering his Attorney General to fire or intimidate investigators.
Witness Tampering
Witness tampering was another serious charge leveled against President Nixon. He was accused of interfering with witnesses who were called to testify before the Grand Jury. This included ordering aides to intimidate or threaten witnesses, as well as providing them with false information.
Conspiracy
The conspiracy charge was the most sweeping and serious of all. President Nixon was accused of planning, directing, and coordinating the break-in, as well as the subsequent cover-up. This charge encompassed a range of criminal activities, including bribery, larceny, and embezzlement.
Nixon’s Defenses
President Nixon’s defense was centered around executive privilege, which allowed the President to refuse to testify or turn over documents related to internal White House communications. The President also claimed personal immunity, arguing that as the head of state, he was not subject to criminal prosecution.
The Investigation Continues
In July 1974, the House Judiciary Committee recommended articles of impeachment against President Nixon, which included charges of obstruction of justice, contempt of Congress, and bribery and extortion. On July 24, 1974, the Supreme Court ruled that the President was not entitled to absolute immunity and that executive privilege was not a blanket immunity.
Resignation and Legacy
President Nixon resigned on August 9, 1974, avoiding the possibility of impeachment and conviction. His resignation paved the way for Gerald Ford to assume the presidency and ultimately lead to the pardoning of President Nixon for any crimes he may have committed.
Conclusion
The Watergate scandal revealed a deeply troubled administration that was characterized by corruption, deceit, and criminal activity. The charges against President Nixon were serious and far-reaching, encompassing obstruction of justice, witness tampering, and conspiracy. The scandal ultimately led to the resignation of the President and a re-evaluation of the role of the executive branch in the United States.
Key Dates and Events
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| June 17, 1972 | Watergate break-in |
| April 1974 | Grand Jury indictment issued |
| July 1974 | House Judiciary Committee recommends articles of impeachment |
| July 24, 1974 | Supreme Court rules against President Nixon’s claim to absolute immunity |
| August 9, 1974 | President Nixon resigns |
Table: Crimes and Charges against President Nixon
| Crime | Charges |
|---|---|
| Obstruction of Justice | Attempting to influence, obstruct, or impede the investigation into the break-in |
| Witness Tampering | Intimidating or threatening witnesses, providing them with false information |
| Conspiracy | Planning, directing, and coordinating the break-in and cover-up |
Conclusion
The Watergate scandal was a watershed moment in American history, exposing a culture of corruption and deceit within the White House. The charges against President Nixon were serious and far-reaching, demonstrating the gravity of his actions. Ultimately, the scandal led to the resignation of the President and a re-evaluation of the role of the executive branch in the United States.
