The committee then reported the evidence to the full Senate, which narrowly voted to remove Judge Hastings.

Fourteen of them accused Judge Hastings of lying under oath at his trial.

The judicial panel also said Judge Hastings gave false testimony and fabricated evidence at his trial.

They can point to the years it took to oust Judge Hastings, but delay alone doesn't justify a constitutional amendment.

The evidence against Judge Hastings, much of it developed after his criminal trial, is overwhelming.

The vote of 413 to 3, with 4 others voting present, puts the matter before the Senate, which must try Judge Hastings on the charges.

Nonetheless, if the accusations are true, it would mean that the evidence against Judge Hastings may have been seen as tainted.

Senator Specter said he did not believe there was sufficient evidence to convict Judge Hastings.

The Senate met in closed session today to discuss the case against Judge Hastings.

"The proceedings against Judge Hastings have been and are fundamentally unfair."