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Thus, a person called to testify before Congress can refuse if they believe the government could use the testimony against them in criminal proceedings. To render the protections against self-incrimination ineffective, Congress can provide immunity from criminal prosecution.
1 The person testifying is the defendant in a criminal case: This is an extension of the protection under the Fifth Amendment. Criminal defendants can never be forced to testify.  The witness is married to someone involved in the case: Communication between two spouses is considered privileged by courts.