I don’t know how this would play out but is it possible that a “witness” could appear, under subpoena, take the oath, give his opening statement and then announce that he has complied with the subpoena and is now leaving the hearing?
Until there is a vote to hold in contempt could the Sergeant at Arms be ordered to detain him, and if so, could he then demand that he be provided with an arrest warrant?
If he is detained, is he then “under arrest? If so, does he now have the right to invoke his Miranda Rights?
Under the above scenario, this could get very interesting and could force the courts to define the boundaries of obligations under Congressional subpoenas.
Comments from attorneys would be appreciated.
Hmm...not an attorney here, but even The Waddler must surely realize that the spectacle of a `witness’ being strongarmed out of the House chamber in handcuffs to an uncertain fate would create an instant martyr in the eyes of the public.