My question involves criminal law for the state of: any
The recent congressional hearings on the IRS scandal has brought up the question of fifth amendment protection during subpoenaed testimony. If you recall Lois Lerner gave an opening statement proclaiming her innocence of wrongdoing then, under questioning, invoked her fifth amendment right to refuse to answer further questions.
The committee's position is that once she gave testimony in the form of a statement she waived any further rights to testimonial protection under the fifth. What is this based on? I know of no procedural qualifier that has the effect of "all or nothing". Why can't a testifier answer any number of questions and invoke fifth amendment privilege on any question he believes tends to incriminate...AT HIS DETERMINATION.
Can someone point me to procedural code that covers this?
Thanks,
Tex

