Legal Definitions - use immunity

Definition: Use immunity is a type of immunity granted to a person in exchange for their testimony in a criminal case. It protects the person from having their own testimony or any information derived from it used against them in a future prosecution. However, the government can still prosecute if it can show that its evidence comes from a legitimate independent source.

Example: A witness is called to testify in a criminal case. The government grants the witness use immunity, which means that their testimony cannot be used against them in a future prosecution. However, if the government can obtain evidence from a source other than the witness's testimony, they can still prosecute the witness.

Explanation: Use immunity is a way for the government to compel a witness to testify without violating their Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination. It allows the witness to provide information without fear of being prosecuted based on that information. However, it does not provide complete protection, as the government can still prosecute if it can obtain evidence from a legitimate independent source.