What are the limits to "pleading the fifth" when providing testimony to Congress? This has come up in the context of a friendly debate at a bar about Roger Clemens impending testimony before Congress. A few folks have suggested that he's suing Brian McNamee for the sole purpose of providing himself cover - i.e., that he can refuse to answer questions asked by Congress because of his civil suit. As I understand it, this isn't correct - he can "plead the fifth" if he's afraid of incriminating himself, but the fact that HE is suing someone else doesn't provide any additional cover. On the other hand, if McNamee was suing him, then he might be able to use THAT as the basis for a fifth amendment excuse. Is this correct? Obviously, I'm not looking for legal advice - just a credible opinion that might help settle a friendly bar debate... [more inside]
posted by stuehler on Jan 7, 2008 - 6 answers

Is there a site where I can read ALL the transcripts of the evidence given by "friendly witnesses" before the House Committee on Un-American Activities? [more inside]
posted by stammer on Aug 17, 2006 - 1 answer