W.Va. Senate postpones acting on impeachment trial ruling

CHARLESTON, W.Va. (AP) — The West Virginia Senate has postponed the impeachment trial of a state Supreme Court justice after a judge who was to preside over the trial failed to show up.

The impeachment trial of Justice Margaret Workman was to begin Monday, but Acting Chief Justice Paul Farrell was absent. Given that and some lingering questions, the Senate voted to adjourn.

Workman won a reprieve last week when acting Supreme Court justices ruled her trial would violate the state constitution’s separation of powers clause.

Four justices, including Workman, were impeached by the state House in August over questions involving alleged lavish office renovations and neglect of duty. The court’s fifth justice resigned before the House impeachment vote took place.