My understanding of impeachment is that it is the trial/procedure for the removal from office of a public official. The trial requires the temporary removal from office of the defendant so that they cannot use their office to influence the proceedings. a successful prosecution leads to the permanent removal and or jail term depending the out come of the trail. So Clinton was impeached. just was not convicted. Am i correct?
No, an official is not removed from office before trial. Clinton was impeached but the Senate trial did not convict.
Conviction by the Senate removes an official from office but there is no prison. That requires a conviction from the courts.
Article 1, section 3:
The Senate shall have the sole Power to try all Impeachments. When sitting for that Purpose, they shall be on Oath or Affirmation. When the President of the United States is tried, the Chief Justice shall preside: And no Person shall be convicted without the Concurrence of two thirds of the Members present.
Judgment in Cases of Impeachment shall not extend further than to removal from Office, and disqualification to hold and enjoy any Office of honor, Trust or Profit under the United States: but the Party convicted shall nevertheless be liable and subject to Indictment, Trial, Judgment and Punishment, according to Law.