Name The Only U.S. Vice President To Preside Over The Senate While Under Indictment For Murder.

Aaron Burr was the only American Vice President to remain in office while under an indictment for murder. Burr, a Republican, served as the vice president under the administration of Thomas Jefferson, from 1800 to 1804.

Burr was indicted for the murder of Alexander Hamilton in 1804 during a duel between the two men. The vice president himself requested the duel after he had learned that Hamilton had been orchestrating a smear campaign against him during his bid to become governor of New York. Burr shot Hamilton in the abdomen and he ended up dying of his wounds. Burr, however, was never actually sentenced for the murder.

Burr's other major legal problem emerged in 1807 when he was charged with treason. According to the prosecution, Burr attempted to form an independent republic in the southern United States. The former vice president was ultimately acquitted of all charges and he ended up returning to his law practice until his death in 1836.

Add Comment

Report