Win or lose, the Cawthorn case could help investigators in Washington by unlocking new evidence about the North Carolina lawmaker’s activities related to Jan. 6. He might have to sit for a deposition and have to turn over, say, his phone and email records.

As the litigation makes its way through the court system, it could also help clear up a few broader questions:

Was Jan. 6 an “insurrection,” legally speaking?

What does it mean to be “engaged” in insurrection, and what level of involvement triggers the Disqualification Clause?

Does Congress need to pass a law or resolution to activate it?