(CBS) 

Impeachment, Step by Step
STEPS THAT HAVE TAKEN PLACE 1. SEPT. 9: The Report Independent Counsel, Kenneth Starr sends the House a report stating he has found "substantial and credible information" that may constitute grounds for the impeachment of President Clinton. The House forwards the report to the House Judiciary Committee. 2. OCT. 5: Committee Vote On Investigation Voting 21-16 along party lines, the Republican-led House Judiciary Committee launches the impeachment process by recommending that Congress open a formal investigation into possible grounds for the impeachment of Mr. Clinton. 3. OCT. 8: House Authorization The House votes 258-176 to authorize the impeachment inquiry by the Judiciary Committee. GOP lawmakers vote unanimously for authorization. They are joined by 31 Democrats. 4. NOV. 9, 19; Dec. 1, 8-10: Hearings The House Judiciary Committee holds hearings during which Starr testifies and the White House presents its defense of President Clinton. 5. DEC. 11, 12: Vote On Articles Of Impeachment The House Judiciary Committee votes on four Articles of Impeachment. The approved Articles are offered to the full House of Representatives. 6. DEC. 18-19: House Debate The full House considers Articles of Impeachment outlining President Clinton's alleged perjury, obstruction of justice and abuse of power. CAVEAT: Democrats call for the consideration of a censure alternative. 7. DEC. 19 House Vote Following debate, the House votes on a resolution approving two articles of impeachment, one charging the president with perjury, the other with obstruction of justice. The Senate is immediately notified. At least one House member is chosen to act as "manager," or prosecutor in the Senate's impeachment trial; in this case, 13 Republican congressmen are chosen.	WHERE WE ARE TODAY 8. Preparing For Trial At the manager's oral request, the Senate sets a trial date by issuing a writ of summons.	THE STEPS TO BE TAKEN 9.The Senate Proceedings The trial begins with Chief Justice of the Supreme Court William Rehnquist presiding and the Senate acting as judge and jury. The president does not have to attend the proceedings -- his lawyers or members of Congress can defend him. CAVEAT: The Senate must remain silent, passing written questions to Justice Rehnquist, who rules on relevancy. The Senate can overturn Rehnquist's rulings by majority vote. 10. Testimony Witnesses testify under oath, subject to questions and cross-examination of the managers and the White House defense. CAVEAT: At any point, a two-thirds majority vote could end the trial. 11. The Final Vote The Senate holds final deliberations behind closed doors, but the vote is held in open session. Each senator is asked individually to find Mr. Clinon "guilty" or "not guilty" on each Article of Impeachment. If two-thirds or more find President Clinton guilty of "high crimes and misdemeanors", he will be removed from office. CAVEAT: If found guilty, the Senate could decide by a majority vote whether to disqualify the president from ever holding any office again.