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Ethical Issues In The Watergate Scandal

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Watergate Scandal
Ethics
Deja Lott
College of Coastal Georgia

Abstract
Many Americans have lost trust in the government due to America’s largest political scandal, which is known as the Watergate Scandal. The Watergate Scandal was a break-in that took place at the Democratic National Committee (DNC) headquarters, which is located in Washington, D.C. in 1972. Not only is the affair known for being America’s largest political scandal, but also America’s greatest presidential scandal. The conspiracy was linked to Richard Nixon, who was the president during the time of the break-in. Through research I plan to inform readers on the discovery of the scandal, the investigation, and the aftermath which led up to the impeachment of President …show more content…

Jon Dean, White House counsel, cracked under pressure and agreed to work with the prosecution team, testifying against Nixon. Alexander Butterfield, Nixon’s secretary, also cracked under pressure, testifying against Nixon in congressional hearing, United States v. Nixon. Butterfield stated that Nixon had recorded all telephone calls and conversation held in his office. The Supreme Court ordered that Nixon provide all presidential tape recorders, but Nixon refused arguing that he had executive power which allowed him to keep all presidential conversations confidential. On July 24, 1974, the court ruled that Nixon did not have presidential executive powers, and he was ordered to release the recordings. The tapes revealed that Nixon was a part of the Watergate affair, and three days after the court ruling the House Judiciary Committee passed three articles of impeachment, charging Nixon with obstruction of Justice, abuse of power, and contempt of Congress. On August 8, 1974 Nixon resigned from office, and received a pardon for any crime he committed while in …show more content…

Nixon failed to act lawfully towards the constitution. Nixon missed the Federal Bureau of Investigations by destroying evidence. He also misused Secret Service and other executive personnel to cover up his connection to the Watergate affair. Under Article III of United States Nixon failed to act lawfully by destroying and withholding documents and recordings that were subpoenaed by the Committee on the Judiciary and of the House of Representative (Articles of impeachment,

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