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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.
Testifying in Court: It's an Order! When a lawyer asks you to testify in a criminal trial, you can agree to go voluntarily. In this case, you might not get an order by a judge to testify. These orders are called a  summons to appear or  subpoena . If you don't want to testify, or if a lawyer wants to make sure you show up, you could receive a subpoena. A subpoena is a document in which a judge orders you to testify. You will receive it in the mail, or a police officer or bailiff will deliver it to you personally. A subpoena contains important information including the date, time and place you need to testify.