In a courtroom situation (criminal case), a defendant does not have to testify since the government has the burden of proving guilt with independent evidence.
However, if the defendant does decide to testify, he or she can no longer invoke the 5th amendment right (against self-incrimination)and must answer questions posed by the prosecution.
So applying the same standard to today’s hearing, once Lerner gave her opening statement she, in my opinion, no longer had the right to invoke her 5th Amendment right.
I agree, and I agree with Gowdy’s lightening quick assessment. Issa did entrap her further by getting her to ‘testify’ to a report. She had the wool pulled over her eyes on that one. LOL
I understand your point but what is the end game? If she refuses to answer questions she can be held in contempt and sit in jail?I don’t think it would be a good idea at this early stage in the game.