The Impeachment of Paul L. Douglas: A Nebraska Political Scandal

On March 14, 1984, Paul L. Douglas, the Nebraska Attorney General, faced impeachment by the Nebraska Legislature. This unprecedented event, the first of its kind against a Nebraska state official in 113 years, stemmed from allegations of misconduct related to dealings with the Commonwealth Savings Company of Lincoln [1]. While ultimately acquitted by the Nebraska Supreme Court, the scandal marked a significant moment in Nebraska’s political history.

Early Life and Career

Paul L. Douglas was born on September 19, 1927, in Sioux Falls, South Dakota [2]. He served in both World War II and the Korean War as a member of the United States Marine Corps [2]. Douglas pursued higher education at Augustana University and later earned a Juris Doctor (JD) degree from the University of Nebraska College of Law [2]. Before becoming Attorney General, he worked as a local prosecutor in Lancaster County, Nebraska, notably contributing to the prosecution of Charles Starkweather [3].

Tenure as Attorney General

Douglas was first elected as Nebraska Attorney General in 1974 and was subsequently re-elected in 1978 and 1982 [2]. He served under Governors J. James Exon, Charles Thone, and Bob Kerrey [2].

The Impeachment and Commonwealth Savings

The impeachment proceedings centered around allegations that Douglas misrepresented payments received from Marvin Copple, a Vice President at Commonwealth Savings Company [3]. The Legislature accused him of lying to investigators and failing to fully cooperate with the investigation into the failing financial institution [3]. His involvement with Commonwealth was deemed to have compromised his duties as Attorney General [3].

Impeachment Trial and Aftermath

Following the impeachment by the Nebraska Legislature, the Nebraska Supreme Court conducted the trial, as mandated by the Nebraska Constitution [4]. In May 1984, the court issued a per curiam ruling finding Douglas not guilty, allowing him to remain in office [4]. However, Douglas was subsequently indicted in June 1984 and faced trial in Lancaster County District Court [4]. The scandal also led to the removal of state Banking Director Paul Amen and prison sentences for six individuals connected to Commonwealth Savings [5].

Legacy

Paul L. Douglas remained the only Nebraska official impeached in the 20th century [4]. He passed away on November 5, 2012, in Lincoln, Nebraska, at the age of 85 [2]. The Commonwealth Savings collapse and the subsequent impeachment proceedings serve as a lasting reminder of the importance of ethical conduct and transparency in public office.