While soon to be ex-Congressman Renzi is using this as a defense, it won't be the first time. Congressmen who have gotten in trouble since the establishment of the Republic have used it to shield himself from prosecution, etc.
Article I, Section 6 of the Constitution reads:
...shall in all Cases, except Treason, Felony, and Breach of the Peace, be privileged from Arrest during their attendance at the Session of their Respective Houses, and in going to and from the same, and for any Speech or Debate in either House, they shall not be questioned in any other Place.
This clause was cited by former Iowa Republican Senator Roger Jepsen when he was pulled over for driving in an HOV lane. Jepsen argued successfully that Article I, Section 6 superceded local driving ordinances and got out from under a $35 ticket. However, the ticket and a 1977 membership in a nude leisure spa ensured that the "born again" Jepsen lost at the polls to current Senator Tom Harkin.
|