Can a witness refuse to answer a question in a hearing?

In the context of legal hearings, a witness generally has the right to refuse to answer questions under certain circumstances, which primarily revolve around the potential for self-incrimination or the assertion of privilege. The correct answer highlights that witnesses aren’t obliged to answer all questions and have specific protections they can invoke.

When a witness believes that answering a question may lead to self-incrimination, they can refuse to answer based on their right against self-incrimination, which is a foundational aspect of the legal system, often associated with the Fifth Amendment in the U.S. legal context. Additionally, claims of privilege, such as attorney-client privilege or doctor-patient confidentiality, provide further context in which a witness is not required to answer.

It's also important to understand that the requirement to provide reasons for refusing to answer does not apply universally; while a witness may sometimes be asked to clarify their refusal, they are not obligated to provide a detailed rationale every time they decline to respond. Therefore, a witness's ability to refuse to answer certain questions upholds crucial legal protections, making it an essential aspect of perception in legal proceedings.