Legal Definitions - testimonial immunity

Definition: Testimonial immunity is a legal protection that prevents a person's compelled testimony from being used against them in a criminal case. It is a logical extension of the Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination.

Examples: If a witness is compelled to testify in a criminal case, their testimony cannot be used against them in a subsequent criminal proceeding. However, any information derived from that testimony can be used against them. This protection only applies in a subsequent criminal prosecution in which the witness is subject to prosecution for an offense related to their earlier testimony.

Explanation: Testimonial immunity is a legal protection that ensures that a person's compelled testimony cannot be used against them in a criminal case. This protection is only available when a witness is compelled to testify and does not apply when a witness testifies voluntarily. The purpose of this protection is to prevent the government from forcing a person to incriminate themselves and to encourage witnesses to testify truthfully without fear of prosecution.