The Supreme Court's opinion by Justice Samuel Alito held that witnesses in a grand jury proceeding were entitled to the same absolute immunity from a civil lawsuit as a witness who testifies at trial.
Without immunity, the truth-seeking process would be impaired as witnesses might be reluctant to testify, Alito wrote in the 18-page opinion, adding that a witness' fear of litigation might deprive a grand jury of critical evidence.
Alito said potential liability was not needed as a deterrent to prevent false testimony. Other sanctions, mainly criminal prosecution for perjury, provided a sufficient deterrent, he said. The justices agreed to decide the case after conflicting appeals court rulings on the issue.
The Supreme Court case is Charles Rehberg v. James Paulk, No. 10-788.
(Reporting By James Vicini; Editing by Bill Trott and Todd Eastham)
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