Simple English definitions for legal terms
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Contempt of Congress is when someone tries to stop Congress from doing its job. Congress has the power to punish people who do this. It's like when someone disobeys a judge in court. Even though the Constitution doesn't say Congress can punish people for contempt, it's an important power they need to do their job. In the past, people were held in contempt for trying to bribe Congress or refusing to answer questions. Today, people can be held in contempt if they don't show up or answer questions during a Congressional investigation. If someone is found guilty of contempt, they can be fined or even go to jail. But Congress can only punish people for things they have the power to investigate. For example, they can't investigate someone's private life or something that's not related to their job. One famous example of contempt of Congress was during the Watergate scandal when President Nixon refused to give Congress tapes of his conversations. Recently, the January 6th House Committee has issued subpoenas to investigate the January 6th riot, and some people may be held in contempt if they don't cooperate.
Contempt of Congress is when someone intentionally interferes with the work of Congress. This can include refusing to answer questions or provide information during a Congressional investigation or hearing. Congress has the power to punish individuals who interfere with its work, which is considered an implied power of the legislature.
For example, in 1974 during the Watergate scandal, President Nixon refused to comply with Congressional subpoenas for tapes of his conversations. Congress considered holding him in contempt for refusing to cooperate with their investigation. More recently, in 2021, the January 6th House Committee issued subpoenas to investigate the January 6th riot. Some individuals who were subpoenaed may face contempt charges if they refuse to comply.
It is important to note that Congress can only hold individuals in contempt for actions related to a subject over which Congress has legislative power. Additionally, the power to investigate must not be confused with law enforcement powers, which are assigned to the Executive and Judiciary branches of government.