In what ways are a witness's rights in a congressional investigation similar to and different from a witness's rights in a court?

Answer 1

You see, congessional committees have the power to subpoena witnesses. A subpoena is a legal order that a person appear or produce requested documents. Not only so, but they can even legally testify you under oath. Witnesses who do not tell the truth can be ciminally prosecuted of perjury. Committees may punish those who refuse to testify or otherwise will not cooperate by holding them in contempt of Congress, meaning possibility of being arrested and/or jailed. Congressional committees have granted immunity to witnesses. Immunity is freedom from prosecution for witnesses whose testimony ties them to illegal acts. Of course, the Fifth Amendment states that people cannot be forced to testify against themselves. Witnesses who are granted immunity, however, can be required to testify about illegal actiities in which athey are involved. Those who refuse may be held in contempt and jailed.