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Judicial Immunity Resurfaces in the Third Circuit

By Ronald H. Levine, Barbara A. Zemlock, and Matthew T. Newcomer
January 26, 2011

Use immunity is traditionally viewed as a prerogative of the Executive Branch exercised by law enforcement to compel truthful testimony from witnesses who otherwise would refuse to testify based on their Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination. However, a few federal courts also recognize the court's inherent authority to grant or compel immunity for defense witnesses over the objection of the prosecution. A recent decision out of the Middle District of Pennsylvania may revive the doctrine of “judicial immunity” for defense witnesses. U.S. v. Nagle, Crim. No. 1:09-CR-384-01 (M.D.Pa. filed Oct. 4, 2010) (Rambo, J.). To understand the potential implications of Nagle, some background is helpful.

Government-Initiated Use Immunity

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