use immunity

[ yoos i-myoo-ni-tee ]

noun

, Law.

1. a type of immunity guaranteeing that the testimony of the witness will not be used as evidence against them in court, although they can still be prosecuted on evidence of others. Compare immunity bath ( def ).

Word History and Origins

Origin of use immunity¹

First recorded in 1970–75

Example Sentences

District Judge Lewis Kaplan in Manhattan previously rejected Trump's effort to have Carroll's case dismissed and later refused to let Trump use immunity as a defense, citing the delay in attempting to invoke it.

From Salon

Let’s not forget how badly the defense fumbled Kelsey’s stammering appearance in court, where she denied everything she’d told prosecutors in September, claiming instead that she “couldn’t remember” even after being granted use immunity.

From Los Angeles Times

Prosecutors instead granted Harris “use immunity,” meaning her testimony at Peterson’s trial could not be used in furtherance of future criminal charges against her.

From Los Angeles Times

Nursing homes, critics say, could use immunity to evade long-standing liabilities.

From Washington Post

Jurors were told only that Walsh was testifying under "use immunity," meaning his testimony can't be used against him as long as he was truthful, but were never told about the allegations he faces.

From Fox News