Which protection states that members cannot be arrested for minor offenses?

Which protection states that members cannot be arrested for minor offenses?

• A. Diplomatic Immunity
• B. Identity Hearing
• C. Breach of Peace
• D. Congressional Immunity

Answer: (D)

Congressional Immunity protects lawmakers from being arrested while they are in session or traveling to and from sessions. This safeguard keeps the legislative process uninterrupted and allows members to debate and vote without fear of local legal actions for minor offenses. The protection is not absolute: serious crimes such as treason, felonies, or acts that breach the peace are outside the shield and can still lead to arrest. Diplomatic Immunity, by contrast, applies to foreign diplomats, not members of Congress, so it doesn’t fit this question. Breach of peace is an offense type that serves as an exception to the immunity, not a protective rule.

Congressional Immunity protects lawmakers from being arrested while they are in session or traveling to and from sessions. This safeguard keeps the legislative process uninterrupted and allows members to debate and vote without fear of local legal actions for minor offenses. The protection is not absolute: serious crimes such as treason, felonies, or acts that breach the peace are outside the shield and can still lead to arrest. Diplomatic Immunity, by contrast, applies to foreign diplomats, not members of Congress, so it doesn’t fit this question. Breach of peace is an offense type that serves as an exception to the immunity, not a protective rule.