Jan 21, 2020 - Politics & Policy

Dershowitz says he's more correct on impeachment now than in 1998

Rebecca Falconer

Alan Dershowitz makes a speech in New York — Alan Dershowitz speaks at an event in New York City last April. Photo: Erik McGregor/Pacific Press/LightRocket via Getty Images

Alan Dershowitz, a member of President Trump's impeachment trial legal defense team, told CNN Monday he has a "more sophisticated basis" for his argument on what constitutes an impeachable offense than during the Clinton impeachment.

Why it matters: In 1998, he told CNN crime wasn't a factor in impeachment "if you have somebody who completely corrupts the office of president and who abuses trust and who poses great danger to our liberty."

Now, Dershowitz says he's "far more correct" in his argument that abuse of power and obstruction of Congress do not amount to impeachable offenses, even if proven.

"I've done the research now — I wasn't wrong (in 1998) ... I said you didn't need a technical crime back then. I still don't think you need a technical crime."

— Dershowitz on "Anderson Cooper 360"

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Dershowitz says he's more correct on impeachment now than in 1998

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