Former President Donald Trump's legal team accused House Democrats of engaging in "political theater" and argued that the upcoming Senate impeachment trial is unconstitutional because Trump is no longer President.

In a pretrial brief ahead of former President Donald Trump's impeachment trial in the Senate, Trump's legal team accused House Democrats of engaging in "political theater" and argued that the upcoming trial is unconstitutional because Trump is no longer president.

CNN's John Avlon analyzes a defense argument made by former President Donald Trump's legal team as he faces a second impeachment trial.

Sen. Patrick Leahy is expected to adhere largely to the script of Chief Justice John Roberts when he presides over the second impeachment trial of former President Donald Trump this week.

• Journalist recounts riot: 'Is this how I die?' • Analysis: This GOP senator has a totally wild theory about the impeachment trial

As we prepare for the impeachment trial of former President Donald Trump, it is worth considering the efficacy of the process. It is rarely used and Trump's second impeachment now represents half of all presidential impeachments. The bar to impeach is relatively low as it only requires a majority vote in the House of Representatives. However, the bar for removal is extraordinary -- requiring a two-thirds vote in the Senate. Given the extreme nature of the process, it is understandable that the Framers made it so difficult. Of the 20 federal officials to be impeached, eight have been removed from office.

The second impeachment trial of former President Donald Trump begins this week as the House impeachment managers prepare to make their case to the public -- and the 100 senators who are jurors for the trial -- that Trump is responsible for last month's deadly riots at the US Capitol.

In a momentous week, America confronts a new reckoning with the negligent, destructive legacy of Donald Trump.

Former President Donald Trump's second Senate impeachment trial will commence on Tuesday, setting up a week (or two) that will be equal parts historic and divisive.