Which term describes the immunity of members from arrest for minor offenses?

Which term describes the immunity of members from arrest for minor offenses?

• A. Breach of Peace
• B. Diplomatic Immunity
• C. Identity Hearing
• D. Congressional Immunity

Answer: (D)

Congressional immunity is the privilege that protects members of Congress from arrest for minor offenses while they are attending sessions or traveling to and from the legislature. This protection exists so lawmakers can debate, speak, and vote without fear of harassment or interference in the course of their duties. It’s limited, however, by the Constitution’s exceptions for treason, felony, and breaches of the peace, and it does not shield them from all legal accountability in the way diplomatic immunity might shield diplomats. In this context, the term that describes immunity from arrest for minor offenses is congressional immunity.

Congressional immunity is the privilege that protects members of Congress from arrest for minor offenses while they are attending sessions or traveling to and from the legislature. This protection exists so lawmakers can debate, speak, and vote without fear of harassment or interference in the course of their duties. It’s limited, however, by the Constitution’s exceptions for treason, felony, and breaches of the peace, and it does not shield them from all legal accountability in the way diplomatic immunity might shield diplomats. In this context, the term that describes immunity from arrest for minor offenses is congressional immunity.