Dr Anthony Fauci invoked the Fifth Amendment more than 100 times during a contentious Senate hearing, despite having received a broad presidential pardon from Joe Biden. The move has prompted debate over whether a federal pardon removes a witness’s right to avoid self-incrimination, and could lead to contempt proceedings sought by Senator Rand Paul.

Legal experts cited in the article say the pardon may not provide complete protection, particularly if Fauci could face state-level prosecution or other legal exposure beyond its scope. Paul, the Republican chair of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, said he intends to pursue contempt action after Fauci declined to answer 111 questions.