speech or debate clause
noun
speech or de·bate clause
often capitalized S&D&C
: a clause in Article I, Section 6 of the U.S. Constitution granting members of Congress a privilege from arrest and legislative immunity for any speech or debate made in either of the houses
called also speech and debate clause
Cite this Entry
“Speech or debate clause.” Merriam-Webster.com Legal Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/legal/speech%20or%20debate%20clause. Accessed 31 Oct. 2025.
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