45.06 Contempt

If someone gets a subpoena and ignores it, they can get in trouble with the court. The same goes for a witness who shows up but refuses to take an oath or refuses to answer questions. The court can hold that person in contempt as a result.

Being held in contempt is a serious matter. It means the court has the power to punish someone for not following its orders, whether that means paying a fine or facing other consequences. This rule exists so that courts can make sure witnesses actually show up and cooperate when they're called to testify or provide documents.

The court handling the case is the one that decides whether to punish someone for disobeying a subpoena or refusing to testify. This gives the legal process teeth. Without a way to enforce subpoenas, people could simply ignore them and courts would have no way to gather the testimony or evidence they need to resolve a case.