EXPULSION (Let. Expulsio, from expellers, to drive out, from ex, out -f- pellere, to drive). The act of removing one from the possession of real property, or from an office, or from member ship in a body or association, or of depriving him of a right, privilege, or license. Expul sion of the first sort is called eviction (q.v.). The manner in which a public officer may be expelled or removed is generally regulated in this country by constitutional or legislative pro vision. For example, the Federal Constitution secures to each House of Congress the power to expel a member with the concurrence of two thirds. In the exercise of this authority, it may proceed summarily. and need not observe the for malities of judicial procedure. Nor does any ap peal lie from its decision. The same Constitution secures to Federal judges both of the supreme and inferior courts tenure of office during good hehavior. Recently many statutes have been passed by Congress, and by State Legislatures, limiting or qualifying the power of removing persons from office in certain lines of the civil service (q.v.).
Members of a corporation may be expelled in certain cases, as where they have been convicted of an infamous crime or have been guilty of some corrupt or dishonorable conduct in connection with the affairs of the corporation. A partner
cannot be lawfully expelled from his firm, unless the partnership contract expressly authorizes expulsion. In such a case, as well as in all other cases of unincorporated associations, the mem her proceeded against is entitled to notice of charges and an opportunity to defend himself, as well as to a fair and impartial decision. See CLUB.
Persons who are not members of a public body or of a private corporation or association may he expelled from its meetings at any time. Even though their attendance has been induced by an authorized invitation, the license or privilege inay he withdrawn at any moment ; and if they refuse to leave they may be forcibly removed. The smile rule holds good in the case other meet ings. Those who convene them have the right to expel objectionable persons, provided they use no more force than is necessary' for that purpose. Consult: Thompson, Commentaries on the Low of Private Corporations (Saint Louis, 1895) ; Pollock, Treat ise on the Law of Torts (tith ed., London and New York, 1901).