USA: Can a witness take the 5th to avoid perjury?If a witness refuses to answer 'Has the defendant done this before?', then why can the jury appeal to ignorance?What are the Responisbilities of a Witness (Witness Signature)?Can a company take donations in lieu of investments and avoid SEC regulation?Why is the FBI rather than state investigators looking into these judges who take bribes?Do most people who take the stand at a trial not tell “the whole truth”?Can behaviour of a witness in a witness box affect the outcome of the proceedings?What's the point of prohibiting leading questions when unfavorable answers can result in witness being declared hostile?Does the 5th Amendment only apply to federal governmentCan the victim of a crime throw a court case?Can a witness avoid testifying based on lack of memory?

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USA: Can a witness take the 5th to avoid perjury?


If a witness refuses to answer 'Has the defendant done this before?', then why can the jury appeal to ignorance?What are the Responisbilities of a Witness (Witness Signature)?Can a company take donations in lieu of investments and avoid SEC regulation?Why is the FBI rather than state investigators looking into these judges who take bribes?Do most people who take the stand at a trial not tell “the whole truth”?Can behaviour of a witness in a witness box affect the outcome of the proceedings?What's the point of prohibiting leading questions when unfavorable answers can result in witness being declared hostile?Does the 5th Amendment only apply to federal governmentCan the victim of a crime throw a court case?Can a witness avoid testifying based on lack of memory?






.everyoneloves__top-leaderboard:empty,.everyoneloves__mid-leaderboard:empty,.everyoneloves__bot-mid-leaderboard:empty margin-bottom:0;








24















Lawyer Alice is questioning witness Bob. Bob is not on trial, and no one has accused him of a crime. Alice demands Bob answer a particular question with either a "Yes" or a "no." Bob believes that doing so would mislead the court so greatly that he attempt to use a complete sentence, only for Alice to interrupt him and demand the one word answer. In frustration, Bob simply takes the 5th, to avoid what he believes is perjury.



What will happen to Bob now that he's taken the 5th? Will he be held in contempt of court, or will the judge be concerned and try to probe further? Assume Bob is unaware of the concept of rebuttal questions.



In case the specific fact pattern is required: Bob witnessed Charlie be hit with a baseball bat, which resulted in Charlie knocking over (and breaking) a vase. Alice is asking if Charlie broke the vase. In Bob's mind, a "yes" answer is a lie, the blame lies with the assailant. A "no" answer is a lie, as Charlie's fall did cause the vase to break.










share|improve this question



















  • 3





    One might argue about this example that a reasonable person would interpret the question in a way that "no" won't be a lie (did an action done by Charlie lead to the vase being broken?). A classical example where it is logically impossible to answer yes or no without lying is "have you stopped beating your wife?" (given that you've never beaten your wife)

    – vsz
    Jul 25 at 4:36






  • 2





    @sleske You assume that Alice will allow that follow-up and clarification. "Did Charlie knock the vase over and break it?" Now, if Edward had picked Charlie up, and thrown him across the room and into the vase, the "yes or no" answer is "yes" - but the person at fault is actually Edward, not Charlie. So, Alice will take that "Yes", and immediately try to get a conviction based on it, while quashing any attempts to tack on the reason why.

    – Chronocidal
    Jul 25 at 13:33






  • 3





    Are lawyers allowed to demand a yes or no answer? Seems like the only time that would make sense to ask for is when you're intentionally trying to be misleading...

    – Jon
    Jul 25 at 14:55







  • 2





    @Jon Only on cross-examination or when the witness is hostile.

    – cpast
    Jul 26 at 1:33






  • 1





    Every time I've been in court, either as a member of a jury or as a witness, the judge required all questions from lawyer to witness to be phrased as "yes/no" questions, and it falls to the opposing counsel to ask questions (again, "yes/no") to resolve any ambiguities.

    – Bob Jarvis
    Jul 26 at 16:31

















24















Lawyer Alice is questioning witness Bob. Bob is not on trial, and no one has accused him of a crime. Alice demands Bob answer a particular question with either a "Yes" or a "no." Bob believes that doing so would mislead the court so greatly that he attempt to use a complete sentence, only for Alice to interrupt him and demand the one word answer. In frustration, Bob simply takes the 5th, to avoid what he believes is perjury.



What will happen to Bob now that he's taken the 5th? Will he be held in contempt of court, or will the judge be concerned and try to probe further? Assume Bob is unaware of the concept of rebuttal questions.



In case the specific fact pattern is required: Bob witnessed Charlie be hit with a baseball bat, which resulted in Charlie knocking over (and breaking) a vase. Alice is asking if Charlie broke the vase. In Bob's mind, a "yes" answer is a lie, the blame lies with the assailant. A "no" answer is a lie, as Charlie's fall did cause the vase to break.










share|improve this question



















  • 3





    One might argue about this example that a reasonable person would interpret the question in a way that "no" won't be a lie (did an action done by Charlie lead to the vase being broken?). A classical example where it is logically impossible to answer yes or no without lying is "have you stopped beating your wife?" (given that you've never beaten your wife)

    – vsz
    Jul 25 at 4:36






  • 2





    @sleske You assume that Alice will allow that follow-up and clarification. "Did Charlie knock the vase over and break it?" Now, if Edward had picked Charlie up, and thrown him across the room and into the vase, the "yes or no" answer is "yes" - but the person at fault is actually Edward, not Charlie. So, Alice will take that "Yes", and immediately try to get a conviction based on it, while quashing any attempts to tack on the reason why.

    – Chronocidal
    Jul 25 at 13:33






  • 3





    Are lawyers allowed to demand a yes or no answer? Seems like the only time that would make sense to ask for is when you're intentionally trying to be misleading...

    – Jon
    Jul 25 at 14:55







  • 2





    @Jon Only on cross-examination or when the witness is hostile.

    – cpast
    Jul 26 at 1:33






  • 1





    Every time I've been in court, either as a member of a jury or as a witness, the judge required all questions from lawyer to witness to be phrased as "yes/no" questions, and it falls to the opposing counsel to ask questions (again, "yes/no") to resolve any ambiguities.

    – Bob Jarvis
    Jul 26 at 16:31













24












24








24


3






Lawyer Alice is questioning witness Bob. Bob is not on trial, and no one has accused him of a crime. Alice demands Bob answer a particular question with either a "Yes" or a "no." Bob believes that doing so would mislead the court so greatly that he attempt to use a complete sentence, only for Alice to interrupt him and demand the one word answer. In frustration, Bob simply takes the 5th, to avoid what he believes is perjury.



What will happen to Bob now that he's taken the 5th? Will he be held in contempt of court, or will the judge be concerned and try to probe further? Assume Bob is unaware of the concept of rebuttal questions.



In case the specific fact pattern is required: Bob witnessed Charlie be hit with a baseball bat, which resulted in Charlie knocking over (and breaking) a vase. Alice is asking if Charlie broke the vase. In Bob's mind, a "yes" answer is a lie, the blame lies with the assailant. A "no" answer is a lie, as Charlie's fall did cause the vase to break.










share|improve this question














Lawyer Alice is questioning witness Bob. Bob is not on trial, and no one has accused him of a crime. Alice demands Bob answer a particular question with either a "Yes" or a "no." Bob believes that doing so would mislead the court so greatly that he attempt to use a complete sentence, only for Alice to interrupt him and demand the one word answer. In frustration, Bob simply takes the 5th, to avoid what he believes is perjury.



What will happen to Bob now that he's taken the 5th? Will he be held in contempt of court, or will the judge be concerned and try to probe further? Assume Bob is unaware of the concept of rebuttal questions.



In case the specific fact pattern is required: Bob witnessed Charlie be hit with a baseball bat, which resulted in Charlie knocking over (and breaking) a vase. Alice is asking if Charlie broke the vase. In Bob's mind, a "yes" answer is a lie, the blame lies with the assailant. A "no" answer is a lie, as Charlie's fall did cause the vase to break.







united-states court trial judge contempt-of-court






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share|improve this question










asked Jul 24 at 16:16









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  • 3





    One might argue about this example that a reasonable person would interpret the question in a way that "no" won't be a lie (did an action done by Charlie lead to the vase being broken?). A classical example where it is logically impossible to answer yes or no without lying is "have you stopped beating your wife?" (given that you've never beaten your wife)

    – vsz
    Jul 25 at 4:36






  • 2





    @sleske You assume that Alice will allow that follow-up and clarification. "Did Charlie knock the vase over and break it?" Now, if Edward had picked Charlie up, and thrown him across the room and into the vase, the "yes or no" answer is "yes" - but the person at fault is actually Edward, not Charlie. So, Alice will take that "Yes", and immediately try to get a conviction based on it, while quashing any attempts to tack on the reason why.

    – Chronocidal
    Jul 25 at 13:33






  • 3





    Are lawyers allowed to demand a yes or no answer? Seems like the only time that would make sense to ask for is when you're intentionally trying to be misleading...

    – Jon
    Jul 25 at 14:55







  • 2





    @Jon Only on cross-examination or when the witness is hostile.

    – cpast
    Jul 26 at 1:33






  • 1





    Every time I've been in court, either as a member of a jury or as a witness, the judge required all questions from lawyer to witness to be phrased as "yes/no" questions, and it falls to the opposing counsel to ask questions (again, "yes/no") to resolve any ambiguities.

    – Bob Jarvis
    Jul 26 at 16:31












  • 3





    One might argue about this example that a reasonable person would interpret the question in a way that "no" won't be a lie (did an action done by Charlie lead to the vase being broken?). A classical example where it is logically impossible to answer yes or no without lying is "have you stopped beating your wife?" (given that you've never beaten your wife)

    – vsz
    Jul 25 at 4:36






  • 2





    @sleske You assume that Alice will allow that follow-up and clarification. "Did Charlie knock the vase over and break it?" Now, if Edward had picked Charlie up, and thrown him across the room and into the vase, the "yes or no" answer is "yes" - but the person at fault is actually Edward, not Charlie. So, Alice will take that "Yes", and immediately try to get a conviction based on it, while quashing any attempts to tack on the reason why.

    – Chronocidal
    Jul 25 at 13:33






  • 3





    Are lawyers allowed to demand a yes or no answer? Seems like the only time that would make sense to ask for is when you're intentionally trying to be misleading...

    – Jon
    Jul 25 at 14:55







  • 2





    @Jon Only on cross-examination or when the witness is hostile.

    – cpast
    Jul 26 at 1:33






  • 1





    Every time I've been in court, either as a member of a jury or as a witness, the judge required all questions from lawyer to witness to be phrased as "yes/no" questions, and it falls to the opposing counsel to ask questions (again, "yes/no") to resolve any ambiguities.

    – Bob Jarvis
    Jul 26 at 16:31







3




3





One might argue about this example that a reasonable person would interpret the question in a way that "no" won't be a lie (did an action done by Charlie lead to the vase being broken?). A classical example where it is logically impossible to answer yes or no without lying is "have you stopped beating your wife?" (given that you've never beaten your wife)

– vsz
Jul 25 at 4:36





One might argue about this example that a reasonable person would interpret the question in a way that "no" won't be a lie (did an action done by Charlie lead to the vase being broken?). A classical example where it is logically impossible to answer yes or no without lying is "have you stopped beating your wife?" (given that you've never beaten your wife)

– vsz
Jul 25 at 4:36




2




2





@sleske You assume that Alice will allow that follow-up and clarification. "Did Charlie knock the vase over and break it?" Now, if Edward had picked Charlie up, and thrown him across the room and into the vase, the "yes or no" answer is "yes" - but the person at fault is actually Edward, not Charlie. So, Alice will take that "Yes", and immediately try to get a conviction based on it, while quashing any attempts to tack on the reason why.

– Chronocidal
Jul 25 at 13:33





@sleske You assume that Alice will allow that follow-up and clarification. "Did Charlie knock the vase over and break it?" Now, if Edward had picked Charlie up, and thrown him across the room and into the vase, the "yes or no" answer is "yes" - but the person at fault is actually Edward, not Charlie. So, Alice will take that "Yes", and immediately try to get a conviction based on it, while quashing any attempts to tack on the reason why.

– Chronocidal
Jul 25 at 13:33




3




3





Are lawyers allowed to demand a yes or no answer? Seems like the only time that would make sense to ask for is when you're intentionally trying to be misleading...

– Jon
Jul 25 at 14:55






Are lawyers allowed to demand a yes or no answer? Seems like the only time that would make sense to ask for is when you're intentionally trying to be misleading...

– Jon
Jul 25 at 14:55





2




2





@Jon Only on cross-examination or when the witness is hostile.

– cpast
Jul 26 at 1:33





@Jon Only on cross-examination or when the witness is hostile.

– cpast
Jul 26 at 1:33




1




1





Every time I've been in court, either as a member of a jury or as a witness, the judge required all questions from lawyer to witness to be phrased as "yes/no" questions, and it falls to the opposing counsel to ask questions (again, "yes/no") to resolve any ambiguities.

– Bob Jarvis
Jul 26 at 16:31





Every time I've been in court, either as a member of a jury or as a witness, the judge required all questions from lawyer to witness to be phrased as "yes/no" questions, and it falls to the opposing counsel to ask questions (again, "yes/no") to resolve any ambiguities.

– Bob Jarvis
Jul 26 at 16:31










3 Answers
3






active

oldest

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26














Your ability to assert your Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination is not limited to cases where you are on trial or have been accused of a crime. Your ability to assert that right is also not an absolute bar against being ordered to testify: if you are given immunity, you can be forced to testify.



Alice cannot hold Bob in contempt – only the judge can. Bob can explain to the judge why a simple truthful "yes" or "no" answer is not possible, if he knows how to do that (does he understand the notion of a false presupposition, or unclarity?). He could for example assert truthfully that he does not understand the question (pointing to the distinction between "Charlie's body falling on the vase, causing it to fall and break", and "Charlie acting with apparent intent to break the vase", since it's not patently obvious that the former scenario constitutes "breaking the vase"). However (changing the scenario a bit), he has to understand that if the question is "Did Charlie shoot Delilah?" and the fact is that Ethan forced Charlie to shoot Delilah, saying "No" based on a theory of blame is not reasonably interpreted as truthful testimony.



Taking the 5th, without setting forth your basis (not understanding the question) runs the risk that the prosecution will grant immunity from prosecution, and therefore you don't get to avoid answering the question. Immunity covers various things except that it does not cover prosecution for perjurious testimony. See US v. Apfelbaum, 445 U.S. 115:




the Fifth Amendment does not prevent the use of respondent's immunized
testimony at his trial for false swearing because, at the time he was
granted immunity, the privilege would not have protected him against
false testimony that he later might decide to give.




Immunity is conferred under the control of some applicable statutory law, such as 18 USC 6002 which says that




no testimony or other information compelled under the order (or any
information directly or indirectly derived from such testimony or
other information) may be used against the witness in any criminal
case, except a prosecution for perjury, giving a false statement, or
otherwise failing to comply with the order
.







share|improve this answer






















  • 9





    More directly to the point, the Fifth Amendment is limited to cases where you are at risk of being prosecuted for a crime you have already committed. You do not have to be given immunity to be forced to answer a question in open court and can't invoke the Fifth Amendment to be preventing from having to give a perjured answer. The resolution in practice that you suggest is a good one.

    – ohwilleke
    Jul 24 at 18:54











  • @ohwilleke I don't think that's correct. Say it was not a crime to negligently harm someone but it was a crime to negligently kill someone. Say they weren't dead yet but quite likely to die soon. Are you saying that you couldn't plead the fifth if asked about the incident because it's not yet a completed crime? That doesn't sound right to me. And if you argue that some elements of the crime must have already been satisfied but not all them, in the instant case, you have already taken the oath, which is part of what's needed to commit the crime.

    – David Schwartz
    Jul 25 at 5:24







  • 4





    @DavidSchwartz You can plead the fifth whenever your testimony might lead prosecution, whether or not you're guilty of a crime or not. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/… In the this case, Bob could invoke his right to remain silent because testifying he witnessed the crime would be admitting he was present at the scene of the crime, which could be used as evidence against him. While Bob can't plead the fifth to avoid perjuring himself, he has plenty grounds to do so to avoid self-incrimination.

    – Ross Ridge
    Jul 25 at 15:30












  • @RossRidge The issue is not whether Bob can plead the fifth to avoid perjuring himself. The issue is whether Bob can plead the fifth to avoid incriminating himself in a possible perjury prosecution. As your answer notes above, it is possible to incriminate yourself even if you never committed a crime. So whether he would actually perjure himself is irrelevant, just whether he would incriminate himself in a possible perjury prosecution whether or not he actually committed perjury.

    – David Schwartz
    Jul 25 at 16:45






  • 2





    What if the witness has already made a false statement under oath about the same topic in another context, and answering the question truthfully would constitute eviddence of previous perjury?

    – R..
    Jul 26 at 3:31


















12














This really depends if Alice's questions are during Direct Examination or Cross Examination.



If direct, Alice called Bob to the stand and Bob is testifying to his account of the events in support of Alice's client. Because of this Alice should be asking Bob to speak more on the matters and designed to elicit answers that are Bob's own words. Ordinarily they may not be leading questions, which are questions in which the answer is contained within the question and typically require a binary yes or no from Bob to answer. (i.e. "Did Bob break the Vase?"). The opposing council would object on the grounds that Alice is leading the witness, which the judge will either sustain or overrule. Overrule will require Bob to answer but the more likely sustain will have the judge instruct the question to be stricken from the record and any answer Bob gave to be disregarded by the jury when in deliberations. Alice may be permitted to rephrase the question ("Who Broke the Vase?") which will allow Bob to explain his account of the events in full.



Leading Questions may be asked in direct if Alice first asks the judge for permission to treat Bob as a hostile witness and the judge grants permission. Usually, this means Bob is uncooperative with Alice but is offering testimony in a case or Bob has impeached himself by saying one thing in testimony that conflicts with his sworn affidative or other account. Typically it could also mean Bob has a special circumstance that makes him unable to grasp the situation (such as Bob is a child and doesn't grasp the seriousness or the point of a more open question). Either rate, Alice did call Bob and knows what she wants him to say pertinant to her case and thus, she would have likely coached him prior to the trial even beginnning on to how to answer any question she asks.



With that said, leading questions are permitted and almost exclusively asked in Cross-Examination as the Attorney did not call the witness and is trying to impeach (show the witness is unreliable) and thus the witness is opposed to the Cross examination's questions and thus permitted to be assumed a Hostile Witness.



While the leading nature of "Did Charlie Break the Vase?" it still can be objected too as it may set up to unfairly prejudice Charlie to the Jury. It is for the judge to decide which standards the prosecution must meet to claim that a law is broken (questions of law) and the jury to judge if Charlie's actions and behavior meet those standards and Alice is only supposed to be countering Charlie's statement. It's not clear as to Leading questions example as we're not sure as to who is on trial for what, and it could be relevent that Charlie broke the vase. In your scenario, Yes is a truthful statement as Bob is not allowed to give his opinion on Charlie's guilt but what happened. Charlie did physically break the vase regardless of whether he criminally broke the vase. Bob can answer this as it is a lie and is not in a damned if you do, damned if you do not.



Additionally, while Alice may move on quickly, and not permit Bob to clarify his statement, Alice is not permitted to instruct him as to how to answer the question. The judge will instruct him as to whether or not invoking the fifth is permissible at this time. Alice either demanding a specific binary choice of answers, or refusing to accept his attempted answer and demanding the binary as the only possible answer would be objectionable on the grounds of badgering the witness, which is specifically asking the witness a question without allowing the witness to answer OR Mocking him and is likely to really piss off the judge who might hold Alice in contempt of court (especially if she was twice objected to... despite what the TV's show, Judges take a very dim view of lawyers who behave in this manor and do so very quickly. At this point, Alice will certainly get a dressing down from the judge as part of his instructions to the record and if he doesn't charge Alice with contempt, he will likely threaten to do so if Alice doesn't stop her antics). Make no mistake, it's Alice who is out of line, not poor Bob who she scared into thinking he's in legal jeopardy.



Finally, even if this wasn't objected too or was overruled (shockingly!), Bob is not left testifying to this as there will be a re-direct (and re-cross) where both council's will be allowed to ask questions of Bob to clarify issues previously discussed. It is here where the direct council will be allowed to ask Bob if Charlie was conscious when he broke the vase and clarify the ambiguity the cross-question created.






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    6














    TLDR: the 5th Amendment is big dynamite, almost entirely made of unintended consequences. There are much better ways to do this.



    Anyway, Bob swore to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth. That prohibits him from giving either of the answers he is being railroaded into, so he should say "I cannot answer in this format".



    Bob needs to get help



    At the very least, Bob should shoot a "What the heck???" glance to Diane, the opposing counsel. This will clue Diane in that she should either be ready to object, or should ask Bob more questions about the subject matter.



    Because when Alice is done, Diane absolutely can say "I have more questions for this witness." And there's nothing Alice can do about it, except ask more questions of her own.



    If Alice revisits the same question, Diane can object that the question was already asked and answered. Alice can do the same to Diane, so Diane would need to ask in a different way or take a different approach that asks Bob to fill in the details.



    Bob should also signal to the judge that this question is not answerable like that. The judge wants just what Bob swore to, the whole truth, and the judge will back up Bob, and perhaps even intervene, if he feels Bob is being railroaded.



    It would be bad for Alice



    That would put Alice in a bad position, because then it would become apparent to the judge and jury that Alice is laboring to twist witness' words to change their meaning. They would think about other times she framed a question like that, and the witness answers would be mistrusted. Creating jury distrust in the process is exactly why judges don't permit much of this.



    Pleading the 5th? Bring your checkbook.



    The problem in civil trial with pleading the 5th is that the 5th Amendment does not grant immunity to litigation. Bob would be promptly added to the defendant list.



    Alice would argue that if Bob's actions relating to that vase are so heinous as to be actually criminal, then it's more likely than not that Bob himself is responsible for the breaking of the vase. Bob broke the vase in the commission of a crime.



    In civil court, the burden of proof is "more likely than not".



    Alice will argue that is not in the purview of this jury to punish Bob for the crime, and indeed that Bob may well escape prosecution for this crime, since he has not even been a suspect up until now. So the jury should do all they can to hold him to account.



    Alice could also use the ordinary discovery process she is entitled to, to thoroughly explore for evidence of Bob's crime, in full view of the jury. She would soon have the jury thinking Bob was Al Capone.



    This changes the landscape for Diane. Bob isn't Diane's client. By throwing Bob to the wolves, she exonerates her client. Bob has no friends here, and isn't entitled to counsel who could cross examine or object... at least not until his name is added to the defendant list, and Alice could "game" this to weaken him.



    What's Bob to do? Assert that he should have counsel at the defense table because he expects to soon be named as a defendant?



    A more worrisome matter: The judge would have the opportunity to refer the matter to the district attorney for criminal prosecution. DA's have broad latitude over which cases to bother prosecuting, but they take judge's referrals very seriously.



    So this will likely cost Bob the price of whatever is being litigated over, and possibly much, much more. As such, this is a very foolish way to approach the problem. Bob could achieve the same end cheaper and with no damage to his reputation simply by offering to pay Alice's client to "go away" (settle the matter with prejudice, meaning Alice's client can't bring another action in this matter). He would then be a "white knight leaping to the rescue".






    share|improve this answer






















    • 1





      When can anyone plead the 5th and have 100% immunity to being held in contempt? I'd assume never, because if a judge wants to hold you in contempt, they can do so for 'reasons'.

      – Mazura
      Jul 25 at 15:31











    • @Mazura I don't make any claim to that effect. What are you commenting on?

      – Harper
      Jul 25 at 16:03











    • The only part of the question that matters imo: "Will he be held in contempt of court [?]"

      – Mazura
      Jul 25 at 16:05











    • @Mazura It appears to me that OP's second paragraph is in the format: Question? Speculation1, or Speculation2? Condition. I answered the Question. You are saying the only part of the question that matters is Speculation 1. I don't agree.

      – Harper
      Jul 25 at 16:10












    • I'm caught up on the question in the title... Which should've asked what will happen now that, instead of, can (which is always a yes, correct? But also something you should probably never do, because you can find yourself in contempt, no matter what? +1 for the edit that puts, 'Please rephrase the question.' at the top.

      – Mazura
      Jul 25 at 16:28













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    Your ability to assert your Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination is not limited to cases where you are on trial or have been accused of a crime. Your ability to assert that right is also not an absolute bar against being ordered to testify: if you are given immunity, you can be forced to testify.



    Alice cannot hold Bob in contempt – only the judge can. Bob can explain to the judge why a simple truthful "yes" or "no" answer is not possible, if he knows how to do that (does he understand the notion of a false presupposition, or unclarity?). He could for example assert truthfully that he does not understand the question (pointing to the distinction between "Charlie's body falling on the vase, causing it to fall and break", and "Charlie acting with apparent intent to break the vase", since it's not patently obvious that the former scenario constitutes "breaking the vase"). However (changing the scenario a bit), he has to understand that if the question is "Did Charlie shoot Delilah?" and the fact is that Ethan forced Charlie to shoot Delilah, saying "No" based on a theory of blame is not reasonably interpreted as truthful testimony.



    Taking the 5th, without setting forth your basis (not understanding the question) runs the risk that the prosecution will grant immunity from prosecution, and therefore you don't get to avoid answering the question. Immunity covers various things except that it does not cover prosecution for perjurious testimony. See US v. Apfelbaum, 445 U.S. 115:




    the Fifth Amendment does not prevent the use of respondent's immunized
    testimony at his trial for false swearing because, at the time he was
    granted immunity, the privilege would not have protected him against
    false testimony that he later might decide to give.




    Immunity is conferred under the control of some applicable statutory law, such as 18 USC 6002 which says that




    no testimony or other information compelled under the order (or any
    information directly or indirectly derived from such testimony or
    other information) may be used against the witness in any criminal
    case, except a prosecution for perjury, giving a false statement, or
    otherwise failing to comply with the order
    .







    share|improve this answer






















    • 9





      More directly to the point, the Fifth Amendment is limited to cases where you are at risk of being prosecuted for a crime you have already committed. You do not have to be given immunity to be forced to answer a question in open court and can't invoke the Fifth Amendment to be preventing from having to give a perjured answer. The resolution in practice that you suggest is a good one.

      – ohwilleke
      Jul 24 at 18:54











    • @ohwilleke I don't think that's correct. Say it was not a crime to negligently harm someone but it was a crime to negligently kill someone. Say they weren't dead yet but quite likely to die soon. Are you saying that you couldn't plead the fifth if asked about the incident because it's not yet a completed crime? That doesn't sound right to me. And if you argue that some elements of the crime must have already been satisfied but not all them, in the instant case, you have already taken the oath, which is part of what's needed to commit the crime.

      – David Schwartz
      Jul 25 at 5:24







    • 4





      @DavidSchwartz You can plead the fifth whenever your testimony might lead prosecution, whether or not you're guilty of a crime or not. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/… In the this case, Bob could invoke his right to remain silent because testifying he witnessed the crime would be admitting he was present at the scene of the crime, which could be used as evidence against him. While Bob can't plead the fifth to avoid perjuring himself, he has plenty grounds to do so to avoid self-incrimination.

      – Ross Ridge
      Jul 25 at 15:30












    • @RossRidge The issue is not whether Bob can plead the fifth to avoid perjuring himself. The issue is whether Bob can plead the fifth to avoid incriminating himself in a possible perjury prosecution. As your answer notes above, it is possible to incriminate yourself even if you never committed a crime. So whether he would actually perjure himself is irrelevant, just whether he would incriminate himself in a possible perjury prosecution whether or not he actually committed perjury.

      – David Schwartz
      Jul 25 at 16:45






    • 2





      What if the witness has already made a false statement under oath about the same topic in another context, and answering the question truthfully would constitute eviddence of previous perjury?

      – R..
      Jul 26 at 3:31















    26














    Your ability to assert your Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination is not limited to cases where you are on trial or have been accused of a crime. Your ability to assert that right is also not an absolute bar against being ordered to testify: if you are given immunity, you can be forced to testify.



    Alice cannot hold Bob in contempt – only the judge can. Bob can explain to the judge why a simple truthful "yes" or "no" answer is not possible, if he knows how to do that (does he understand the notion of a false presupposition, or unclarity?). He could for example assert truthfully that he does not understand the question (pointing to the distinction between "Charlie's body falling on the vase, causing it to fall and break", and "Charlie acting with apparent intent to break the vase", since it's not patently obvious that the former scenario constitutes "breaking the vase"). However (changing the scenario a bit), he has to understand that if the question is "Did Charlie shoot Delilah?" and the fact is that Ethan forced Charlie to shoot Delilah, saying "No" based on a theory of blame is not reasonably interpreted as truthful testimony.



    Taking the 5th, without setting forth your basis (not understanding the question) runs the risk that the prosecution will grant immunity from prosecution, and therefore you don't get to avoid answering the question. Immunity covers various things except that it does not cover prosecution for perjurious testimony. See US v. Apfelbaum, 445 U.S. 115:




    the Fifth Amendment does not prevent the use of respondent's immunized
    testimony at his trial for false swearing because, at the time he was
    granted immunity, the privilege would not have protected him against
    false testimony that he later might decide to give.




    Immunity is conferred under the control of some applicable statutory law, such as 18 USC 6002 which says that




    no testimony or other information compelled under the order (or any
    information directly or indirectly derived from such testimony or
    other information) may be used against the witness in any criminal
    case, except a prosecution for perjury, giving a false statement, or
    otherwise failing to comply with the order
    .







    share|improve this answer






















    • 9





      More directly to the point, the Fifth Amendment is limited to cases where you are at risk of being prosecuted for a crime you have already committed. You do not have to be given immunity to be forced to answer a question in open court and can't invoke the Fifth Amendment to be preventing from having to give a perjured answer. The resolution in practice that you suggest is a good one.

      – ohwilleke
      Jul 24 at 18:54











    • @ohwilleke I don't think that's correct. Say it was not a crime to negligently harm someone but it was a crime to negligently kill someone. Say they weren't dead yet but quite likely to die soon. Are you saying that you couldn't plead the fifth if asked about the incident because it's not yet a completed crime? That doesn't sound right to me. And if you argue that some elements of the crime must have already been satisfied but not all them, in the instant case, you have already taken the oath, which is part of what's needed to commit the crime.

      – David Schwartz
      Jul 25 at 5:24







    • 4





      @DavidSchwartz You can plead the fifth whenever your testimony might lead prosecution, whether or not you're guilty of a crime or not. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/… In the this case, Bob could invoke his right to remain silent because testifying he witnessed the crime would be admitting he was present at the scene of the crime, which could be used as evidence against him. While Bob can't plead the fifth to avoid perjuring himself, he has plenty grounds to do so to avoid self-incrimination.

      – Ross Ridge
      Jul 25 at 15:30












    • @RossRidge The issue is not whether Bob can plead the fifth to avoid perjuring himself. The issue is whether Bob can plead the fifth to avoid incriminating himself in a possible perjury prosecution. As your answer notes above, it is possible to incriminate yourself even if you never committed a crime. So whether he would actually perjure himself is irrelevant, just whether he would incriminate himself in a possible perjury prosecution whether or not he actually committed perjury.

      – David Schwartz
      Jul 25 at 16:45






    • 2





      What if the witness has already made a false statement under oath about the same topic in another context, and answering the question truthfully would constitute eviddence of previous perjury?

      – R..
      Jul 26 at 3:31













    26












    26








    26







    Your ability to assert your Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination is not limited to cases where you are on trial or have been accused of a crime. Your ability to assert that right is also not an absolute bar against being ordered to testify: if you are given immunity, you can be forced to testify.



    Alice cannot hold Bob in contempt – only the judge can. Bob can explain to the judge why a simple truthful "yes" or "no" answer is not possible, if he knows how to do that (does he understand the notion of a false presupposition, or unclarity?). He could for example assert truthfully that he does not understand the question (pointing to the distinction between "Charlie's body falling on the vase, causing it to fall and break", and "Charlie acting with apparent intent to break the vase", since it's not patently obvious that the former scenario constitutes "breaking the vase"). However (changing the scenario a bit), he has to understand that if the question is "Did Charlie shoot Delilah?" and the fact is that Ethan forced Charlie to shoot Delilah, saying "No" based on a theory of blame is not reasonably interpreted as truthful testimony.



    Taking the 5th, without setting forth your basis (not understanding the question) runs the risk that the prosecution will grant immunity from prosecution, and therefore you don't get to avoid answering the question. Immunity covers various things except that it does not cover prosecution for perjurious testimony. See US v. Apfelbaum, 445 U.S. 115:




    the Fifth Amendment does not prevent the use of respondent's immunized
    testimony at his trial for false swearing because, at the time he was
    granted immunity, the privilege would not have protected him against
    false testimony that he later might decide to give.




    Immunity is conferred under the control of some applicable statutory law, such as 18 USC 6002 which says that




    no testimony or other information compelled under the order (or any
    information directly or indirectly derived from such testimony or
    other information) may be used against the witness in any criminal
    case, except a prosecution for perjury, giving a false statement, or
    otherwise failing to comply with the order
    .







    share|improve this answer















    Your ability to assert your Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination is not limited to cases where you are on trial or have been accused of a crime. Your ability to assert that right is also not an absolute bar against being ordered to testify: if you are given immunity, you can be forced to testify.



    Alice cannot hold Bob in contempt – only the judge can. Bob can explain to the judge why a simple truthful "yes" or "no" answer is not possible, if he knows how to do that (does he understand the notion of a false presupposition, or unclarity?). He could for example assert truthfully that he does not understand the question (pointing to the distinction between "Charlie's body falling on the vase, causing it to fall and break", and "Charlie acting with apparent intent to break the vase", since it's not patently obvious that the former scenario constitutes "breaking the vase"). However (changing the scenario a bit), he has to understand that if the question is "Did Charlie shoot Delilah?" and the fact is that Ethan forced Charlie to shoot Delilah, saying "No" based on a theory of blame is not reasonably interpreted as truthful testimony.



    Taking the 5th, without setting forth your basis (not understanding the question) runs the risk that the prosecution will grant immunity from prosecution, and therefore you don't get to avoid answering the question. Immunity covers various things except that it does not cover prosecution for perjurious testimony. See US v. Apfelbaum, 445 U.S. 115:




    the Fifth Amendment does not prevent the use of respondent's immunized
    testimony at his trial for false swearing because, at the time he was
    granted immunity, the privilege would not have protected him against
    false testimony that he later might decide to give.




    Immunity is conferred under the control of some applicable statutory law, such as 18 USC 6002 which says that




    no testimony or other information compelled under the order (or any
    information directly or indirectly derived from such testimony or
    other information) may be used against the witness in any criminal
    case, except a prosecution for perjury, giving a false statement, or
    otherwise failing to comply with the order
    .








    share|improve this answer














    share|improve this answer



    share|improve this answer








    edited Jul 25 at 17:04

























    answered Jul 24 at 16:58









    user6726user6726

    67.1k4 gold badges73 silver badges126 bronze badges




    67.1k4 gold badges73 silver badges126 bronze badges










    • 9





      More directly to the point, the Fifth Amendment is limited to cases where you are at risk of being prosecuted for a crime you have already committed. You do not have to be given immunity to be forced to answer a question in open court and can't invoke the Fifth Amendment to be preventing from having to give a perjured answer. The resolution in practice that you suggest is a good one.

      – ohwilleke
      Jul 24 at 18:54











    • @ohwilleke I don't think that's correct. Say it was not a crime to negligently harm someone but it was a crime to negligently kill someone. Say they weren't dead yet but quite likely to die soon. Are you saying that you couldn't plead the fifth if asked about the incident because it's not yet a completed crime? That doesn't sound right to me. And if you argue that some elements of the crime must have already been satisfied but not all them, in the instant case, you have already taken the oath, which is part of what's needed to commit the crime.

      – David Schwartz
      Jul 25 at 5:24







    • 4





      @DavidSchwartz You can plead the fifth whenever your testimony might lead prosecution, whether or not you're guilty of a crime or not. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/… In the this case, Bob could invoke his right to remain silent because testifying he witnessed the crime would be admitting he was present at the scene of the crime, which could be used as evidence against him. While Bob can't plead the fifth to avoid perjuring himself, he has plenty grounds to do so to avoid self-incrimination.

      – Ross Ridge
      Jul 25 at 15:30












    • @RossRidge The issue is not whether Bob can plead the fifth to avoid perjuring himself. The issue is whether Bob can plead the fifth to avoid incriminating himself in a possible perjury prosecution. As your answer notes above, it is possible to incriminate yourself even if you never committed a crime. So whether he would actually perjure himself is irrelevant, just whether he would incriminate himself in a possible perjury prosecution whether or not he actually committed perjury.

      – David Schwartz
      Jul 25 at 16:45






    • 2





      What if the witness has already made a false statement under oath about the same topic in another context, and answering the question truthfully would constitute eviddence of previous perjury?

      – R..
      Jul 26 at 3:31












    • 9





      More directly to the point, the Fifth Amendment is limited to cases where you are at risk of being prosecuted for a crime you have already committed. You do not have to be given immunity to be forced to answer a question in open court and can't invoke the Fifth Amendment to be preventing from having to give a perjured answer. The resolution in practice that you suggest is a good one.

      – ohwilleke
      Jul 24 at 18:54











    • @ohwilleke I don't think that's correct. Say it was not a crime to negligently harm someone but it was a crime to negligently kill someone. Say they weren't dead yet but quite likely to die soon. Are you saying that you couldn't plead the fifth if asked about the incident because it's not yet a completed crime? That doesn't sound right to me. And if you argue that some elements of the crime must have already been satisfied but not all them, in the instant case, you have already taken the oath, which is part of what's needed to commit the crime.

      – David Schwartz
      Jul 25 at 5:24







    • 4





      @DavidSchwartz You can plead the fifth whenever your testimony might lead prosecution, whether or not you're guilty of a crime or not. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/… In the this case, Bob could invoke his right to remain silent because testifying he witnessed the crime would be admitting he was present at the scene of the crime, which could be used as evidence against him. While Bob can't plead the fifth to avoid perjuring himself, he has plenty grounds to do so to avoid self-incrimination.

      – Ross Ridge
      Jul 25 at 15:30












    • @RossRidge The issue is not whether Bob can plead the fifth to avoid perjuring himself. The issue is whether Bob can plead the fifth to avoid incriminating himself in a possible perjury prosecution. As your answer notes above, it is possible to incriminate yourself even if you never committed a crime. So whether he would actually perjure himself is irrelevant, just whether he would incriminate himself in a possible perjury prosecution whether or not he actually committed perjury.

      – David Schwartz
      Jul 25 at 16:45






    • 2





      What if the witness has already made a false statement under oath about the same topic in another context, and answering the question truthfully would constitute eviddence of previous perjury?

      – R..
      Jul 26 at 3:31







    9




    9





    More directly to the point, the Fifth Amendment is limited to cases where you are at risk of being prosecuted for a crime you have already committed. You do not have to be given immunity to be forced to answer a question in open court and can't invoke the Fifth Amendment to be preventing from having to give a perjured answer. The resolution in practice that you suggest is a good one.

    – ohwilleke
    Jul 24 at 18:54





    More directly to the point, the Fifth Amendment is limited to cases where you are at risk of being prosecuted for a crime you have already committed. You do not have to be given immunity to be forced to answer a question in open court and can't invoke the Fifth Amendment to be preventing from having to give a perjured answer. The resolution in practice that you suggest is a good one.

    – ohwilleke
    Jul 24 at 18:54













    @ohwilleke I don't think that's correct. Say it was not a crime to negligently harm someone but it was a crime to negligently kill someone. Say they weren't dead yet but quite likely to die soon. Are you saying that you couldn't plead the fifth if asked about the incident because it's not yet a completed crime? That doesn't sound right to me. And if you argue that some elements of the crime must have already been satisfied but not all them, in the instant case, you have already taken the oath, which is part of what's needed to commit the crime.

    – David Schwartz
    Jul 25 at 5:24






    @ohwilleke I don't think that's correct. Say it was not a crime to negligently harm someone but it was a crime to negligently kill someone. Say they weren't dead yet but quite likely to die soon. Are you saying that you couldn't plead the fifth if asked about the incident because it's not yet a completed crime? That doesn't sound right to me. And if you argue that some elements of the crime must have already been satisfied but not all them, in the instant case, you have already taken the oath, which is part of what's needed to commit the crime.

    – David Schwartz
    Jul 25 at 5:24





    4




    4





    @DavidSchwartz You can plead the fifth whenever your testimony might lead prosecution, whether or not you're guilty of a crime or not. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/… In the this case, Bob could invoke his right to remain silent because testifying he witnessed the crime would be admitting he was present at the scene of the crime, which could be used as evidence against him. While Bob can't plead the fifth to avoid perjuring himself, he has plenty grounds to do so to avoid self-incrimination.

    – Ross Ridge
    Jul 25 at 15:30






    @DavidSchwartz You can plead the fifth whenever your testimony might lead prosecution, whether or not you're guilty of a crime or not. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/… In the this case, Bob could invoke his right to remain silent because testifying he witnessed the crime would be admitting he was present at the scene of the crime, which could be used as evidence against him. While Bob can't plead the fifth to avoid perjuring himself, he has plenty grounds to do so to avoid self-incrimination.

    – Ross Ridge
    Jul 25 at 15:30














    @RossRidge The issue is not whether Bob can plead the fifth to avoid perjuring himself. The issue is whether Bob can plead the fifth to avoid incriminating himself in a possible perjury prosecution. As your answer notes above, it is possible to incriminate yourself even if you never committed a crime. So whether he would actually perjure himself is irrelevant, just whether he would incriminate himself in a possible perjury prosecution whether or not he actually committed perjury.

    – David Schwartz
    Jul 25 at 16:45





    @RossRidge The issue is not whether Bob can plead the fifth to avoid perjuring himself. The issue is whether Bob can plead the fifth to avoid incriminating himself in a possible perjury prosecution. As your answer notes above, it is possible to incriminate yourself even if you never committed a crime. So whether he would actually perjure himself is irrelevant, just whether he would incriminate himself in a possible perjury prosecution whether or not he actually committed perjury.

    – David Schwartz
    Jul 25 at 16:45




    2




    2





    What if the witness has already made a false statement under oath about the same topic in another context, and answering the question truthfully would constitute eviddence of previous perjury?

    – R..
    Jul 26 at 3:31





    What if the witness has already made a false statement under oath about the same topic in another context, and answering the question truthfully would constitute eviddence of previous perjury?

    – R..
    Jul 26 at 3:31













    12














    This really depends if Alice's questions are during Direct Examination or Cross Examination.



    If direct, Alice called Bob to the stand and Bob is testifying to his account of the events in support of Alice's client. Because of this Alice should be asking Bob to speak more on the matters and designed to elicit answers that are Bob's own words. Ordinarily they may not be leading questions, which are questions in which the answer is contained within the question and typically require a binary yes or no from Bob to answer. (i.e. "Did Bob break the Vase?"). The opposing council would object on the grounds that Alice is leading the witness, which the judge will either sustain or overrule. Overrule will require Bob to answer but the more likely sustain will have the judge instruct the question to be stricken from the record and any answer Bob gave to be disregarded by the jury when in deliberations. Alice may be permitted to rephrase the question ("Who Broke the Vase?") which will allow Bob to explain his account of the events in full.



    Leading Questions may be asked in direct if Alice first asks the judge for permission to treat Bob as a hostile witness and the judge grants permission. Usually, this means Bob is uncooperative with Alice but is offering testimony in a case or Bob has impeached himself by saying one thing in testimony that conflicts with his sworn affidative or other account. Typically it could also mean Bob has a special circumstance that makes him unable to grasp the situation (such as Bob is a child and doesn't grasp the seriousness or the point of a more open question). Either rate, Alice did call Bob and knows what she wants him to say pertinant to her case and thus, she would have likely coached him prior to the trial even beginnning on to how to answer any question she asks.



    With that said, leading questions are permitted and almost exclusively asked in Cross-Examination as the Attorney did not call the witness and is trying to impeach (show the witness is unreliable) and thus the witness is opposed to the Cross examination's questions and thus permitted to be assumed a Hostile Witness.



    While the leading nature of "Did Charlie Break the Vase?" it still can be objected too as it may set up to unfairly prejudice Charlie to the Jury. It is for the judge to decide which standards the prosecution must meet to claim that a law is broken (questions of law) and the jury to judge if Charlie's actions and behavior meet those standards and Alice is only supposed to be countering Charlie's statement. It's not clear as to Leading questions example as we're not sure as to who is on trial for what, and it could be relevent that Charlie broke the vase. In your scenario, Yes is a truthful statement as Bob is not allowed to give his opinion on Charlie's guilt but what happened. Charlie did physically break the vase regardless of whether he criminally broke the vase. Bob can answer this as it is a lie and is not in a damned if you do, damned if you do not.



    Additionally, while Alice may move on quickly, and not permit Bob to clarify his statement, Alice is not permitted to instruct him as to how to answer the question. The judge will instruct him as to whether or not invoking the fifth is permissible at this time. Alice either demanding a specific binary choice of answers, or refusing to accept his attempted answer and demanding the binary as the only possible answer would be objectionable on the grounds of badgering the witness, which is specifically asking the witness a question without allowing the witness to answer OR Mocking him and is likely to really piss off the judge who might hold Alice in contempt of court (especially if she was twice objected to... despite what the TV's show, Judges take a very dim view of lawyers who behave in this manor and do so very quickly. At this point, Alice will certainly get a dressing down from the judge as part of his instructions to the record and if he doesn't charge Alice with contempt, he will likely threaten to do so if Alice doesn't stop her antics). Make no mistake, it's Alice who is out of line, not poor Bob who she scared into thinking he's in legal jeopardy.



    Finally, even if this wasn't objected too or was overruled (shockingly!), Bob is not left testifying to this as there will be a re-direct (and re-cross) where both council's will be allowed to ask questions of Bob to clarify issues previously discussed. It is here where the direct council will be allowed to ask Bob if Charlie was conscious when he broke the vase and clarify the ambiguity the cross-question created.






    share|improve this answer





























      12














      This really depends if Alice's questions are during Direct Examination or Cross Examination.



      If direct, Alice called Bob to the stand and Bob is testifying to his account of the events in support of Alice's client. Because of this Alice should be asking Bob to speak more on the matters and designed to elicit answers that are Bob's own words. Ordinarily they may not be leading questions, which are questions in which the answer is contained within the question and typically require a binary yes or no from Bob to answer. (i.e. "Did Bob break the Vase?"). The opposing council would object on the grounds that Alice is leading the witness, which the judge will either sustain or overrule. Overrule will require Bob to answer but the more likely sustain will have the judge instruct the question to be stricken from the record and any answer Bob gave to be disregarded by the jury when in deliberations. Alice may be permitted to rephrase the question ("Who Broke the Vase?") which will allow Bob to explain his account of the events in full.



      Leading Questions may be asked in direct if Alice first asks the judge for permission to treat Bob as a hostile witness and the judge grants permission. Usually, this means Bob is uncooperative with Alice but is offering testimony in a case or Bob has impeached himself by saying one thing in testimony that conflicts with his sworn affidative or other account. Typically it could also mean Bob has a special circumstance that makes him unable to grasp the situation (such as Bob is a child and doesn't grasp the seriousness or the point of a more open question). Either rate, Alice did call Bob and knows what she wants him to say pertinant to her case and thus, she would have likely coached him prior to the trial even beginnning on to how to answer any question she asks.



      With that said, leading questions are permitted and almost exclusively asked in Cross-Examination as the Attorney did not call the witness and is trying to impeach (show the witness is unreliable) and thus the witness is opposed to the Cross examination's questions and thus permitted to be assumed a Hostile Witness.



      While the leading nature of "Did Charlie Break the Vase?" it still can be objected too as it may set up to unfairly prejudice Charlie to the Jury. It is for the judge to decide which standards the prosecution must meet to claim that a law is broken (questions of law) and the jury to judge if Charlie's actions and behavior meet those standards and Alice is only supposed to be countering Charlie's statement. It's not clear as to Leading questions example as we're not sure as to who is on trial for what, and it could be relevent that Charlie broke the vase. In your scenario, Yes is a truthful statement as Bob is not allowed to give his opinion on Charlie's guilt but what happened. Charlie did physically break the vase regardless of whether he criminally broke the vase. Bob can answer this as it is a lie and is not in a damned if you do, damned if you do not.



      Additionally, while Alice may move on quickly, and not permit Bob to clarify his statement, Alice is not permitted to instruct him as to how to answer the question. The judge will instruct him as to whether or not invoking the fifth is permissible at this time. Alice either demanding a specific binary choice of answers, or refusing to accept his attempted answer and demanding the binary as the only possible answer would be objectionable on the grounds of badgering the witness, which is specifically asking the witness a question without allowing the witness to answer OR Mocking him and is likely to really piss off the judge who might hold Alice in contempt of court (especially if she was twice objected to... despite what the TV's show, Judges take a very dim view of lawyers who behave in this manor and do so very quickly. At this point, Alice will certainly get a dressing down from the judge as part of his instructions to the record and if he doesn't charge Alice with contempt, he will likely threaten to do so if Alice doesn't stop her antics). Make no mistake, it's Alice who is out of line, not poor Bob who she scared into thinking he's in legal jeopardy.



      Finally, even if this wasn't objected too or was overruled (shockingly!), Bob is not left testifying to this as there will be a re-direct (and re-cross) where both council's will be allowed to ask questions of Bob to clarify issues previously discussed. It is here where the direct council will be allowed to ask Bob if Charlie was conscious when he broke the vase and clarify the ambiguity the cross-question created.






      share|improve this answer



























        12












        12








        12







        This really depends if Alice's questions are during Direct Examination or Cross Examination.



        If direct, Alice called Bob to the stand and Bob is testifying to his account of the events in support of Alice's client. Because of this Alice should be asking Bob to speak more on the matters and designed to elicit answers that are Bob's own words. Ordinarily they may not be leading questions, which are questions in which the answer is contained within the question and typically require a binary yes or no from Bob to answer. (i.e. "Did Bob break the Vase?"). The opposing council would object on the grounds that Alice is leading the witness, which the judge will either sustain or overrule. Overrule will require Bob to answer but the more likely sustain will have the judge instruct the question to be stricken from the record and any answer Bob gave to be disregarded by the jury when in deliberations. Alice may be permitted to rephrase the question ("Who Broke the Vase?") which will allow Bob to explain his account of the events in full.



        Leading Questions may be asked in direct if Alice first asks the judge for permission to treat Bob as a hostile witness and the judge grants permission. Usually, this means Bob is uncooperative with Alice but is offering testimony in a case or Bob has impeached himself by saying one thing in testimony that conflicts with his sworn affidative or other account. Typically it could also mean Bob has a special circumstance that makes him unable to grasp the situation (such as Bob is a child and doesn't grasp the seriousness or the point of a more open question). Either rate, Alice did call Bob and knows what she wants him to say pertinant to her case and thus, she would have likely coached him prior to the trial even beginnning on to how to answer any question she asks.



        With that said, leading questions are permitted and almost exclusively asked in Cross-Examination as the Attorney did not call the witness and is trying to impeach (show the witness is unreliable) and thus the witness is opposed to the Cross examination's questions and thus permitted to be assumed a Hostile Witness.



        While the leading nature of "Did Charlie Break the Vase?" it still can be objected too as it may set up to unfairly prejudice Charlie to the Jury. It is for the judge to decide which standards the prosecution must meet to claim that a law is broken (questions of law) and the jury to judge if Charlie's actions and behavior meet those standards and Alice is only supposed to be countering Charlie's statement. It's not clear as to Leading questions example as we're not sure as to who is on trial for what, and it could be relevent that Charlie broke the vase. In your scenario, Yes is a truthful statement as Bob is not allowed to give his opinion on Charlie's guilt but what happened. Charlie did physically break the vase regardless of whether he criminally broke the vase. Bob can answer this as it is a lie and is not in a damned if you do, damned if you do not.



        Additionally, while Alice may move on quickly, and not permit Bob to clarify his statement, Alice is not permitted to instruct him as to how to answer the question. The judge will instruct him as to whether or not invoking the fifth is permissible at this time. Alice either demanding a specific binary choice of answers, or refusing to accept his attempted answer and demanding the binary as the only possible answer would be objectionable on the grounds of badgering the witness, which is specifically asking the witness a question without allowing the witness to answer OR Mocking him and is likely to really piss off the judge who might hold Alice in contempt of court (especially if she was twice objected to... despite what the TV's show, Judges take a very dim view of lawyers who behave in this manor and do so very quickly. At this point, Alice will certainly get a dressing down from the judge as part of his instructions to the record and if he doesn't charge Alice with contempt, he will likely threaten to do so if Alice doesn't stop her antics). Make no mistake, it's Alice who is out of line, not poor Bob who she scared into thinking he's in legal jeopardy.



        Finally, even if this wasn't objected too or was overruled (shockingly!), Bob is not left testifying to this as there will be a re-direct (and re-cross) where both council's will be allowed to ask questions of Bob to clarify issues previously discussed. It is here where the direct council will be allowed to ask Bob if Charlie was conscious when he broke the vase and clarify the ambiguity the cross-question created.






        share|improve this answer













        This really depends if Alice's questions are during Direct Examination or Cross Examination.



        If direct, Alice called Bob to the stand and Bob is testifying to his account of the events in support of Alice's client. Because of this Alice should be asking Bob to speak more on the matters and designed to elicit answers that are Bob's own words. Ordinarily they may not be leading questions, which are questions in which the answer is contained within the question and typically require a binary yes or no from Bob to answer. (i.e. "Did Bob break the Vase?"). The opposing council would object on the grounds that Alice is leading the witness, which the judge will either sustain or overrule. Overrule will require Bob to answer but the more likely sustain will have the judge instruct the question to be stricken from the record and any answer Bob gave to be disregarded by the jury when in deliberations. Alice may be permitted to rephrase the question ("Who Broke the Vase?") which will allow Bob to explain his account of the events in full.



        Leading Questions may be asked in direct if Alice first asks the judge for permission to treat Bob as a hostile witness and the judge grants permission. Usually, this means Bob is uncooperative with Alice but is offering testimony in a case or Bob has impeached himself by saying one thing in testimony that conflicts with his sworn affidative or other account. Typically it could also mean Bob has a special circumstance that makes him unable to grasp the situation (such as Bob is a child and doesn't grasp the seriousness or the point of a more open question). Either rate, Alice did call Bob and knows what she wants him to say pertinant to her case and thus, she would have likely coached him prior to the trial even beginnning on to how to answer any question she asks.



        With that said, leading questions are permitted and almost exclusively asked in Cross-Examination as the Attorney did not call the witness and is trying to impeach (show the witness is unreliable) and thus the witness is opposed to the Cross examination's questions and thus permitted to be assumed a Hostile Witness.



        While the leading nature of "Did Charlie Break the Vase?" it still can be objected too as it may set up to unfairly prejudice Charlie to the Jury. It is for the judge to decide which standards the prosecution must meet to claim that a law is broken (questions of law) and the jury to judge if Charlie's actions and behavior meet those standards and Alice is only supposed to be countering Charlie's statement. It's not clear as to Leading questions example as we're not sure as to who is on trial for what, and it could be relevent that Charlie broke the vase. In your scenario, Yes is a truthful statement as Bob is not allowed to give his opinion on Charlie's guilt but what happened. Charlie did physically break the vase regardless of whether he criminally broke the vase. Bob can answer this as it is a lie and is not in a damned if you do, damned if you do not.



        Additionally, while Alice may move on quickly, and not permit Bob to clarify his statement, Alice is not permitted to instruct him as to how to answer the question. The judge will instruct him as to whether or not invoking the fifth is permissible at this time. Alice either demanding a specific binary choice of answers, or refusing to accept his attempted answer and demanding the binary as the only possible answer would be objectionable on the grounds of badgering the witness, which is specifically asking the witness a question without allowing the witness to answer OR Mocking him and is likely to really piss off the judge who might hold Alice in contempt of court (especially if she was twice objected to... despite what the TV's show, Judges take a very dim view of lawyers who behave in this manor and do so very quickly. At this point, Alice will certainly get a dressing down from the judge as part of his instructions to the record and if he doesn't charge Alice with contempt, he will likely threaten to do so if Alice doesn't stop her antics). Make no mistake, it's Alice who is out of line, not poor Bob who she scared into thinking he's in legal jeopardy.



        Finally, even if this wasn't objected too or was overruled (shockingly!), Bob is not left testifying to this as there will be a re-direct (and re-cross) where both council's will be allowed to ask questions of Bob to clarify issues previously discussed. It is here where the direct council will be allowed to ask Bob if Charlie was conscious when he broke the vase and clarify the ambiguity the cross-question created.







        share|improve this answer












        share|improve this answer



        share|improve this answer










        answered Jul 24 at 20:08









        hszmvhszmv

        4,3142 silver badges14 bronze badges




        4,3142 silver badges14 bronze badges
























            6














            TLDR: the 5th Amendment is big dynamite, almost entirely made of unintended consequences. There are much better ways to do this.



            Anyway, Bob swore to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth. That prohibits him from giving either of the answers he is being railroaded into, so he should say "I cannot answer in this format".



            Bob needs to get help



            At the very least, Bob should shoot a "What the heck???" glance to Diane, the opposing counsel. This will clue Diane in that she should either be ready to object, or should ask Bob more questions about the subject matter.



            Because when Alice is done, Diane absolutely can say "I have more questions for this witness." And there's nothing Alice can do about it, except ask more questions of her own.



            If Alice revisits the same question, Diane can object that the question was already asked and answered. Alice can do the same to Diane, so Diane would need to ask in a different way or take a different approach that asks Bob to fill in the details.



            Bob should also signal to the judge that this question is not answerable like that. The judge wants just what Bob swore to, the whole truth, and the judge will back up Bob, and perhaps even intervene, if he feels Bob is being railroaded.



            It would be bad for Alice



            That would put Alice in a bad position, because then it would become apparent to the judge and jury that Alice is laboring to twist witness' words to change their meaning. They would think about other times she framed a question like that, and the witness answers would be mistrusted. Creating jury distrust in the process is exactly why judges don't permit much of this.



            Pleading the 5th? Bring your checkbook.



            The problem in civil trial with pleading the 5th is that the 5th Amendment does not grant immunity to litigation. Bob would be promptly added to the defendant list.



            Alice would argue that if Bob's actions relating to that vase are so heinous as to be actually criminal, then it's more likely than not that Bob himself is responsible for the breaking of the vase. Bob broke the vase in the commission of a crime.



            In civil court, the burden of proof is "more likely than not".



            Alice will argue that is not in the purview of this jury to punish Bob for the crime, and indeed that Bob may well escape prosecution for this crime, since he has not even been a suspect up until now. So the jury should do all they can to hold him to account.



            Alice could also use the ordinary discovery process she is entitled to, to thoroughly explore for evidence of Bob's crime, in full view of the jury. She would soon have the jury thinking Bob was Al Capone.



            This changes the landscape for Diane. Bob isn't Diane's client. By throwing Bob to the wolves, she exonerates her client. Bob has no friends here, and isn't entitled to counsel who could cross examine or object... at least not until his name is added to the defendant list, and Alice could "game" this to weaken him.



            What's Bob to do? Assert that he should have counsel at the defense table because he expects to soon be named as a defendant?



            A more worrisome matter: The judge would have the opportunity to refer the matter to the district attorney for criminal prosecution. DA's have broad latitude over which cases to bother prosecuting, but they take judge's referrals very seriously.



            So this will likely cost Bob the price of whatever is being litigated over, and possibly much, much more. As such, this is a very foolish way to approach the problem. Bob could achieve the same end cheaper and with no damage to his reputation simply by offering to pay Alice's client to "go away" (settle the matter with prejudice, meaning Alice's client can't bring another action in this matter). He would then be a "white knight leaping to the rescue".






            share|improve this answer






















            • 1





              When can anyone plead the 5th and have 100% immunity to being held in contempt? I'd assume never, because if a judge wants to hold you in contempt, they can do so for 'reasons'.

              – Mazura
              Jul 25 at 15:31











            • @Mazura I don't make any claim to that effect. What are you commenting on?

              – Harper
              Jul 25 at 16:03











            • The only part of the question that matters imo: "Will he be held in contempt of court [?]"

              – Mazura
              Jul 25 at 16:05











            • @Mazura It appears to me that OP's second paragraph is in the format: Question? Speculation1, or Speculation2? Condition. I answered the Question. You are saying the only part of the question that matters is Speculation 1. I don't agree.

              – Harper
              Jul 25 at 16:10












            • I'm caught up on the question in the title... Which should've asked what will happen now that, instead of, can (which is always a yes, correct? But also something you should probably never do, because you can find yourself in contempt, no matter what? +1 for the edit that puts, 'Please rephrase the question.' at the top.

              – Mazura
              Jul 25 at 16:28















            6














            TLDR: the 5th Amendment is big dynamite, almost entirely made of unintended consequences. There are much better ways to do this.



            Anyway, Bob swore to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth. That prohibits him from giving either of the answers he is being railroaded into, so he should say "I cannot answer in this format".



            Bob needs to get help



            At the very least, Bob should shoot a "What the heck???" glance to Diane, the opposing counsel. This will clue Diane in that she should either be ready to object, or should ask Bob more questions about the subject matter.



            Because when Alice is done, Diane absolutely can say "I have more questions for this witness." And there's nothing Alice can do about it, except ask more questions of her own.



            If Alice revisits the same question, Diane can object that the question was already asked and answered. Alice can do the same to Diane, so Diane would need to ask in a different way or take a different approach that asks Bob to fill in the details.



            Bob should also signal to the judge that this question is not answerable like that. The judge wants just what Bob swore to, the whole truth, and the judge will back up Bob, and perhaps even intervene, if he feels Bob is being railroaded.



            It would be bad for Alice



            That would put Alice in a bad position, because then it would become apparent to the judge and jury that Alice is laboring to twist witness' words to change their meaning. They would think about other times she framed a question like that, and the witness answers would be mistrusted. Creating jury distrust in the process is exactly why judges don't permit much of this.



            Pleading the 5th? Bring your checkbook.



            The problem in civil trial with pleading the 5th is that the 5th Amendment does not grant immunity to litigation. Bob would be promptly added to the defendant list.



            Alice would argue that if Bob's actions relating to that vase are so heinous as to be actually criminal, then it's more likely than not that Bob himself is responsible for the breaking of the vase. Bob broke the vase in the commission of a crime.



            In civil court, the burden of proof is "more likely than not".



            Alice will argue that is not in the purview of this jury to punish Bob for the crime, and indeed that Bob may well escape prosecution for this crime, since he has not even been a suspect up until now. So the jury should do all they can to hold him to account.



            Alice could also use the ordinary discovery process she is entitled to, to thoroughly explore for evidence of Bob's crime, in full view of the jury. She would soon have the jury thinking Bob was Al Capone.



            This changes the landscape for Diane. Bob isn't Diane's client. By throwing Bob to the wolves, she exonerates her client. Bob has no friends here, and isn't entitled to counsel who could cross examine or object... at least not until his name is added to the defendant list, and Alice could "game" this to weaken him.



            What's Bob to do? Assert that he should have counsel at the defense table because he expects to soon be named as a defendant?



            A more worrisome matter: The judge would have the opportunity to refer the matter to the district attorney for criminal prosecution. DA's have broad latitude over which cases to bother prosecuting, but they take judge's referrals very seriously.



            So this will likely cost Bob the price of whatever is being litigated over, and possibly much, much more. As such, this is a very foolish way to approach the problem. Bob could achieve the same end cheaper and with no damage to his reputation simply by offering to pay Alice's client to "go away" (settle the matter with prejudice, meaning Alice's client can't bring another action in this matter). He would then be a "white knight leaping to the rescue".






            share|improve this answer






















            • 1





              When can anyone plead the 5th and have 100% immunity to being held in contempt? I'd assume never, because if a judge wants to hold you in contempt, they can do so for 'reasons'.

              – Mazura
              Jul 25 at 15:31











            • @Mazura I don't make any claim to that effect. What are you commenting on?

              – Harper
              Jul 25 at 16:03











            • The only part of the question that matters imo: "Will he be held in contempt of court [?]"

              – Mazura
              Jul 25 at 16:05











            • @Mazura It appears to me that OP's second paragraph is in the format: Question? Speculation1, or Speculation2? Condition. I answered the Question. You are saying the only part of the question that matters is Speculation 1. I don't agree.

              – Harper
              Jul 25 at 16:10












            • I'm caught up on the question in the title... Which should've asked what will happen now that, instead of, can (which is always a yes, correct? But also something you should probably never do, because you can find yourself in contempt, no matter what? +1 for the edit that puts, 'Please rephrase the question.' at the top.

              – Mazura
              Jul 25 at 16:28













            6












            6








            6







            TLDR: the 5th Amendment is big dynamite, almost entirely made of unintended consequences. There are much better ways to do this.



            Anyway, Bob swore to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth. That prohibits him from giving either of the answers he is being railroaded into, so he should say "I cannot answer in this format".



            Bob needs to get help



            At the very least, Bob should shoot a "What the heck???" glance to Diane, the opposing counsel. This will clue Diane in that she should either be ready to object, or should ask Bob more questions about the subject matter.



            Because when Alice is done, Diane absolutely can say "I have more questions for this witness." And there's nothing Alice can do about it, except ask more questions of her own.



            If Alice revisits the same question, Diane can object that the question was already asked and answered. Alice can do the same to Diane, so Diane would need to ask in a different way or take a different approach that asks Bob to fill in the details.



            Bob should also signal to the judge that this question is not answerable like that. The judge wants just what Bob swore to, the whole truth, and the judge will back up Bob, and perhaps even intervene, if he feels Bob is being railroaded.



            It would be bad for Alice



            That would put Alice in a bad position, because then it would become apparent to the judge and jury that Alice is laboring to twist witness' words to change their meaning. They would think about other times she framed a question like that, and the witness answers would be mistrusted. Creating jury distrust in the process is exactly why judges don't permit much of this.



            Pleading the 5th? Bring your checkbook.



            The problem in civil trial with pleading the 5th is that the 5th Amendment does not grant immunity to litigation. Bob would be promptly added to the defendant list.



            Alice would argue that if Bob's actions relating to that vase are so heinous as to be actually criminal, then it's more likely than not that Bob himself is responsible for the breaking of the vase. Bob broke the vase in the commission of a crime.



            In civil court, the burden of proof is "more likely than not".



            Alice will argue that is not in the purview of this jury to punish Bob for the crime, and indeed that Bob may well escape prosecution for this crime, since he has not even been a suspect up until now. So the jury should do all they can to hold him to account.



            Alice could also use the ordinary discovery process she is entitled to, to thoroughly explore for evidence of Bob's crime, in full view of the jury. She would soon have the jury thinking Bob was Al Capone.



            This changes the landscape for Diane. Bob isn't Diane's client. By throwing Bob to the wolves, she exonerates her client. Bob has no friends here, and isn't entitled to counsel who could cross examine or object... at least not until his name is added to the defendant list, and Alice could "game" this to weaken him.



            What's Bob to do? Assert that he should have counsel at the defense table because he expects to soon be named as a defendant?



            A more worrisome matter: The judge would have the opportunity to refer the matter to the district attorney for criminal prosecution. DA's have broad latitude over which cases to bother prosecuting, but they take judge's referrals very seriously.



            So this will likely cost Bob the price of whatever is being litigated over, and possibly much, much more. As such, this is a very foolish way to approach the problem. Bob could achieve the same end cheaper and with no damage to his reputation simply by offering to pay Alice's client to "go away" (settle the matter with prejudice, meaning Alice's client can't bring another action in this matter). He would then be a "white knight leaping to the rescue".






            share|improve this answer















            TLDR: the 5th Amendment is big dynamite, almost entirely made of unintended consequences. There are much better ways to do this.



            Anyway, Bob swore to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth. That prohibits him from giving either of the answers he is being railroaded into, so he should say "I cannot answer in this format".



            Bob needs to get help



            At the very least, Bob should shoot a "What the heck???" glance to Diane, the opposing counsel. This will clue Diane in that she should either be ready to object, or should ask Bob more questions about the subject matter.



            Because when Alice is done, Diane absolutely can say "I have more questions for this witness." And there's nothing Alice can do about it, except ask more questions of her own.



            If Alice revisits the same question, Diane can object that the question was already asked and answered. Alice can do the same to Diane, so Diane would need to ask in a different way or take a different approach that asks Bob to fill in the details.



            Bob should also signal to the judge that this question is not answerable like that. The judge wants just what Bob swore to, the whole truth, and the judge will back up Bob, and perhaps even intervene, if he feels Bob is being railroaded.



            It would be bad for Alice



            That would put Alice in a bad position, because then it would become apparent to the judge and jury that Alice is laboring to twist witness' words to change their meaning. They would think about other times she framed a question like that, and the witness answers would be mistrusted. Creating jury distrust in the process is exactly why judges don't permit much of this.



            Pleading the 5th? Bring your checkbook.



            The problem in civil trial with pleading the 5th is that the 5th Amendment does not grant immunity to litigation. Bob would be promptly added to the defendant list.



            Alice would argue that if Bob's actions relating to that vase are so heinous as to be actually criminal, then it's more likely than not that Bob himself is responsible for the breaking of the vase. Bob broke the vase in the commission of a crime.



            In civil court, the burden of proof is "more likely than not".



            Alice will argue that is not in the purview of this jury to punish Bob for the crime, and indeed that Bob may well escape prosecution for this crime, since he has not even been a suspect up until now. So the jury should do all they can to hold him to account.



            Alice could also use the ordinary discovery process she is entitled to, to thoroughly explore for evidence of Bob's crime, in full view of the jury. She would soon have the jury thinking Bob was Al Capone.



            This changes the landscape for Diane. Bob isn't Diane's client. By throwing Bob to the wolves, she exonerates her client. Bob has no friends here, and isn't entitled to counsel who could cross examine or object... at least not until his name is added to the defendant list, and Alice could "game" this to weaken him.



            What's Bob to do? Assert that he should have counsel at the defense table because he expects to soon be named as a defendant?



            A more worrisome matter: The judge would have the opportunity to refer the matter to the district attorney for criminal prosecution. DA's have broad latitude over which cases to bother prosecuting, but they take judge's referrals very seriously.



            So this will likely cost Bob the price of whatever is being litigated over, and possibly much, much more. As such, this is a very foolish way to approach the problem. Bob could achieve the same end cheaper and with no damage to his reputation simply by offering to pay Alice's client to "go away" (settle the matter with prejudice, meaning Alice's client can't bring another action in this matter). He would then be a "white knight leaping to the rescue".







            share|improve this answer














            share|improve this answer



            share|improve this answer








            edited Jul 25 at 16:20

























            answered Jul 25 at 13:28









            HarperHarper

            4,3082 gold badges4 silver badges23 bronze badges




            4,3082 gold badges4 silver badges23 bronze badges










            • 1





              When can anyone plead the 5th and have 100% immunity to being held in contempt? I'd assume never, because if a judge wants to hold you in contempt, they can do so for 'reasons'.

              – Mazura
              Jul 25 at 15:31











            • @Mazura I don't make any claim to that effect. What are you commenting on?

              – Harper
              Jul 25 at 16:03











            • The only part of the question that matters imo: "Will he be held in contempt of court [?]"

              – Mazura
              Jul 25 at 16:05











            • @Mazura It appears to me that OP's second paragraph is in the format: Question? Speculation1, or Speculation2? Condition. I answered the Question. You are saying the only part of the question that matters is Speculation 1. I don't agree.

              – Harper
              Jul 25 at 16:10












            • I'm caught up on the question in the title... Which should've asked what will happen now that, instead of, can (which is always a yes, correct? But also something you should probably never do, because you can find yourself in contempt, no matter what? +1 for the edit that puts, 'Please rephrase the question.' at the top.

              – Mazura
              Jul 25 at 16:28












            • 1





              When can anyone plead the 5th and have 100% immunity to being held in contempt? I'd assume never, because if a judge wants to hold you in contempt, they can do so for 'reasons'.

              – Mazura
              Jul 25 at 15:31











            • @Mazura I don't make any claim to that effect. What are you commenting on?

              – Harper
              Jul 25 at 16:03











            • The only part of the question that matters imo: "Will he be held in contempt of court [?]"

              – Mazura
              Jul 25 at 16:05











            • @Mazura It appears to me that OP's second paragraph is in the format: Question? Speculation1, or Speculation2? Condition. I answered the Question. You are saying the only part of the question that matters is Speculation 1. I don't agree.

              – Harper
              Jul 25 at 16:10












            • I'm caught up on the question in the title... Which should've asked what will happen now that, instead of, can (which is always a yes, correct? But also something you should probably never do, because you can find yourself in contempt, no matter what? +1 for the edit that puts, 'Please rephrase the question.' at the top.

              – Mazura
              Jul 25 at 16:28







            1




            1





            When can anyone plead the 5th and have 100% immunity to being held in contempt? I'd assume never, because if a judge wants to hold you in contempt, they can do so for 'reasons'.

            – Mazura
            Jul 25 at 15:31





            When can anyone plead the 5th and have 100% immunity to being held in contempt? I'd assume never, because if a judge wants to hold you in contempt, they can do so for 'reasons'.

            – Mazura
            Jul 25 at 15:31













            @Mazura I don't make any claim to that effect. What are you commenting on?

            – Harper
            Jul 25 at 16:03





            @Mazura I don't make any claim to that effect. What are you commenting on?

            – Harper
            Jul 25 at 16:03













            The only part of the question that matters imo: "Will he be held in contempt of court [?]"

            – Mazura
            Jul 25 at 16:05





            The only part of the question that matters imo: "Will he be held in contempt of court [?]"

            – Mazura
            Jul 25 at 16:05













            @Mazura It appears to me that OP's second paragraph is in the format: Question? Speculation1, or Speculation2? Condition. I answered the Question. You are saying the only part of the question that matters is Speculation 1. I don't agree.

            – Harper
            Jul 25 at 16:10






            @Mazura It appears to me that OP's second paragraph is in the format: Question? Speculation1, or Speculation2? Condition. I answered the Question. You are saying the only part of the question that matters is Speculation 1. I don't agree.

            – Harper
            Jul 25 at 16:10














            I'm caught up on the question in the title... Which should've asked what will happen now that, instead of, can (which is always a yes, correct? But also something you should probably never do, because you can find yourself in contempt, no matter what? +1 for the edit that puts, 'Please rephrase the question.' at the top.

            – Mazura
            Jul 25 at 16:28





            I'm caught up on the question in the title... Which should've asked what will happen now that, instead of, can (which is always a yes, correct? But also something you should probably never do, because you can find yourself in contempt, no matter what? +1 for the edit that puts, 'Please rephrase the question.' at the top.

            – Mazura
            Jul 25 at 16:28

















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